Phillips Releases the Full Catalogue for The New York Watch Auction: NINE, Featuring The Company’s Most Diverse Offering Ever in the Americas

Phillips is delighted to release the full catalogue for The New York Watch Auction: NINE, which can be viewed here. The sale, scheduled for 9 – 10 December at 432 Park Avenue, will feature a wide range of significant timepieces from renowned brands and independent watchmakers, showcasing the rich history and innovation in watchmaking. Leading the auction is an important, exceptionally preserved pink gold perpetual chronograph reference 1518 Patek Philippe, appearing on the market after 23 years in the same collection with an estimate of $1,200,000 – 2,400,000. Further highlights from the sale include a Rolex “Paul Newman Lemon” Daytona ref. 6264, an extremely rare Patek Philippe Nautilus “Jumbo” reference 3700/1 in white gold, and the previously announced, early F.P.Journe Tourbillon Souverain and Resonance with matching serial numbers of 043. Following exhibitions in London, Singapore, Los Angeles, and Geneva, highlights from the sale will be exhibited in Taipei, and Hong Kong, before returning to New York where the watches will be on view to the public from 6 – 8 December, prior to the two–day sale.

Paul Boutros, Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas, and Isabella Proia, Head of Sale, jointly said, “We are thrilled to present our New York Watch Auction: NINE catalog, which includes the most diverse selection of timepieces we’ve had the privilege of offering since launching sales here in New York six years ago. Featuring an exceptional selection of unique pieces, fresh-to-market watches from original owners or their descendants, as well as watches treasured by collectors for decades, the auction comprises timepieces reflecting the exquisite taste and long-term passion of our consignors, as well as the dedication of our international team to hunt the globe for the world’s finest collectors’ watches. We are proud to offer such a carefully curated selection of vintage and modern watches, spanning the classic and complicated from historic brands to extraordinary and unprecedented creations from today’s most sought–after independent makers – all of the highest quality for connoisseurs.”

Lot 89 | PATEK PHILIPPE, Ref. 1518, An extremely well–preserved, important, and highly attractive pink gold perpetual chronograph wristwatch with tachymeter scale and moon phase, Circa 1950
Estimate $1,200,000 – 2,400,000

Phillips is honoured to offer this incredible pink gold perpetual calendar wristwatch, which is amongst the finest and best–preserved examples of a reference 1518. Last seen in public in 2000, the watch has remained in one of the most important private American collections and is offered here once again in extraordinary condition. This revolutionary model is a must–have for any serious collector of vintage Patek Philippe watches. With only four known examples in stainless steel, the majority of 1518s were encased in yellow gold, and only a small number cased in pink gold, making the present watch exceedingly rare. Only 281 examples of the reference were manufactured until the reference ceased production in 1954.

The state of preservation of the present watch is exceptional, with an impressive case that most probably has never been polished and hardly ever worn. When introduced during the turmoil of World War II, the reference 1518’s design aesthetic was a new and modern look with clean lines, elegant proportions, and extended, curved lugs. The perfect case proportions, crisp edges, lug definition, and factory brushed and polished surfaces are incredible to see on this example. Its two strong and crisp hallmarks, one under the lug and one on the side of the case are sharp and well–defined, offering further proof of how well– kept this watch is, and a stunning feat, considering that so many surviving examples have been polished over through years of continuous wear. The silvered dial is stunning, having developed an attractive aging to the surface lacquer, and the signature, sub–dial printing, and all scales, are in beautiful raised black enamel.

Returning to the market after 23 years in the identical state of preservation as when it first appeared in 2000, Phillips’ auction presents a rare opportunity for the most discerning connoisseurs of the world’s finest wristwatches.

Lot 35 | PATEK PHILIPPE, Ref. 2499/100, An important, exceptional, and rare yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phase, circa 1980
Estimate $400,000 – 800,000

In production for 34 years, the reference 2499 succeeded the reference 1518 beginning in 1951 and was made in only 349 pieces. Early examples featured cases made by Vichet, soon to be replaced by Wenger, like the present watch, whose production is most notable for its modern 37.5mm diameter case and other subtle differences. The beauty of the reference 2499 combined with its rarity have made it a “grail model” since the very beginning of wristwatch collecting.

The present watch was last seen in public in 2012 and has since remained treasured by an important international collector. It is one of the earliest made in the series and remains in superbly preserved, original condition. The Wenger case, most probably unpolished, features well–defined lines and strong definition with the emblematic stepped lugs and domed caseback. Its hallmarks remain crisp, and the gold has taken on a warm hue indicative of hardly being worn, while the dial is equally well preserved.
Originally from the collection of famed American voice actor and radio personality, Mel Blanc, this lovely reference 2499/100 is a testament to the enduring legacy of Patek Philippe’s historic line of perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches.

Lot 78 | PATEK PHILIPPE, Ref. 3700/1, An extremely rare and important white gold wristwatch, Circa 1978
Estimate $400,000 – 800,000

With the introduction of the Nautilus in 1976, Patek Philippe created one of the most iconic and classic wristwatches of the late 20th century. Gérald Genta’s design, inspired by the portholes of transatlantic ocean liners, was named after Captain Nemo’s Nautilus submarine from Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. The “Jumbo” case with wide flat bezel, integrated link bracelet, and ultra–thin automatic movement was strikingly different than the small, round, yellow gold hand–wound watches that dominated the era.

This exceptionally rare white gold Nautilus is fitted with its original dial with luminous baton hour markers, confirmed by the Extract from the Archives. The case is in remarkable condition with its original factory polished and brushed finishing present, while the dial has developed an almost fumé blue–black effect. Its bracelet is in a similar, well–preserved state of preservation, indicating it was hardly worn throughout its nearly 50–year life.

Only 11 examples of the white gold Nautilus reference 3700 are known, and only nine with the present dial. The condition and ultimate rarity of this white gold Nautilus, which is offered with its Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1978, make it a must–have trophy watch for collectors around the globe.

Lot 30 | ROLEX, Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6264, An exceptionally rare, extremely attractive, and important yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with “Paul Newman Lemon” dial and bracelet, Circa 1970
Estimate $600,000 – 1,200,000

Phillips is proud to present this exceptional Rolex “Paul Newman Lemon” in The New York Watch Auction: NINE. To be considered a “Lemon” Paul Newman, the main dial must have a matte–finished, grené texture with an almost powdery effect with a more cream yellow color than a more common metallic gold or champagne. Compared with the dial on the champagne Paul Newman Daytonas, the “Lemon” dials feature an intense and creamy shade of yellow that sets them apart. The most distinctive feature can be found on the sub–dials of the “Lemon,” with their vivid, white–printed art–deco–style numerals.

Complemented with a luxurious yellow gold Oyster bracelet, the serial number matches closely with several other Paul Newman “Lemon” reference 6264s in 18 karat yellow gold, beginning with 2’357’XXX; the current example is within 37 digits of “El Limoncito,” sold by Phillips New York, in June 2022, for over USD $2,000,000. Having aged beautifully over the past half–century, and consigned by an important American collector, the present reference 6264 is at the pinnacle of desirability for collectors of highly important timepieces.

Lot 14 | GEORGE DANIELS, Anniversary, An impressive, historically important, and extremely rare yellow gold wristwatch with power reserve indicator and date, numbered 16 of a limited edition of 35 pieces, Circa 2017
Estimate $500,000 – 1,000,000

George Daniels, widely considered the 20th century’s most important watchmaker, fathered the independent watch industry. Over the course of Daniels’ lifetime, only 24 unique pocket watches were entirely hand–made by him, in addition to two completely unique, hand‐made wristwatches. Produced in collaboration with the esteemed British watchmaker, Roger Smith, two serially produced, limited edition models were developed under his leadership and bear his signature; the George Daniels Millennium launched in 1998 with just over 50 examples made, and the George Daniels Anniversary watch launched in 2010, with just 35 examples made.

Built on the foundations established by Daniels, Roger’s plan for the Anniversary series was evolution, not revolution. Where the Anniversary becomes something more than a simple tribute is in its movement. The Daniels Co–axial escapement was heavily revised and re–engineered by Smith, the fresh iteration is not only more efficient in use but also simpler and more reliable in construction. As described by Daniels, “This development, conceived by Roger Smith, guarantees both radial and concentric orientation of the two sets of teeth and their pivot point and I see it as a natural and useful development of my escapement.” This watch is offered in exceptional original condition for the first time by its original owner with its original accessories.

Lot 135 | PHILIPPE DUFOUR, Simplicity, An extremely well preserved, rare, and important platinum, 37–millimeter wristwatch, Circa 2008
Estimate $400,000 – 800,000

Philippe Dufour’s Simplicity model was introduced in 2000 as a tribute to traditional Swiss watchmaking, with each timepiece being created and assembled entirely by hand. Initially, the Simplicity was supposed to be limited to only 100 watches, but due to the incredible demand from clients and collectors, Dufour extended that number to 200. Currently, 205 pieces of the original Simplicity are known to have been produced before its discontinuation.

In 2020, Dufour announced a last run of 20 Simplicity models in celebration of the model’s 20th anniversary. These anniversary pieces feature a hinged caseback and a different dial to the non– anniversary models. Anniversary piece number 00/20 was sold at Phillips Geneva in November 2020 for CHF 1,361,000. The present watch’s combination of a 37mm case in platinum with the hand–guilloché dial is arguably one of the most desired variants. This particular example is preserved in virtually unworn condition, with its original guarantee and presentation box. With the increase in cult status of the Simplicity and the deep respect for Monsieur Dufour in the horological community, this is an unmissable opportunity to obtain a modern masterpiece.

Lot 156 | F.P. JOURNE, Centigraphe Souverain “F”, A striking, extremely rare, and innovative platinum chronograph wristwatch with vibrant red dial and platinum bracelet, Circa 2014
Estimate $250,000 – 500,000

In production between 2008 and 2017, the F.P. Journe Centigraphe Souverain “F” was available as a boutique exclusive and upon special request only, with its combination of a striking red dial and yellow accented hands. The culmination of fifteen years of research and testing by Journe combined with the inspiration of his relationship with Jean Todt, who was at the time the CEO of Ferrari, resulted in the creation of this “unprecedented” chronograph ideal for car racing. Powered by the in–house cal. 1506 composed of 18K gold bridges and plates, the complex movement enables the dial to display an unconventional chronograph with 100th of a second register, 20 seconds register and a 10-minute register. The pusher activates and deactivates the chronograph, with the three registers activated at the same time. Instantaneously bringing one’s attention to the dial, the 100th of a second register is perhaps the point of fascination that most will be mesmerized by. The dial’s red color is that of Ferrari, the automobile manufacturer, and is known as “rosso corsa,” or racing red. Preserved in excellent overall condition, this Centigraphe “F” is one of only approximately 20 made and is considered the most coveted of all Journe Centigraphes.

Lot 145 | PATEK PHILIPPE, Ref. 3974J, An important, very rare, and impressive yellow gold minute repeating perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phase, leap year and 24–hour indications, and additional doré dial, Circa 1991
Estimate $250,000 – 500,000

Patek Philippe’s reference 3974 epitomizes the brand’s technical and design prowess manifested during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Created under the guidance of Philippe Stern, this reference was launched in 1989 to celebrate Patek Philippe’s 150th anniversary. Featuring an ultra–thin, in–house self–winding movement with minute repeater, perpetual calendar, 24–hour indication and moon phases, it was the world’s most complicated wristwatch at the time. The reference additionally stands–out as the first automatic–winding minute repeating watch ever made.

Patek Philippe turned to Jean–Pierre Hagmann, whose initials are proudly stamped inside the solid caseback and inner lug, to create a case that would not only be a beautiful vessel for the watch but could also act as a superb sound carrier for the repeater’s delicate chimes. These minute repeaters are known to be Monsieur Hagmann’s favourite creations for the brand, and early examples with his initials are coveted by collectors. The chimes in the present timepiece are crystal clear, perfectly timed, loud, and extremely pleasant to the ear – thanks to Patek Philippe’s technical expertise and Hagmann’s savoir-faire.

Dating from 1991, this exceptional yellow gold reference 3974 comes with not only its original silvered dial with gold hour markers as specified on the Extract from the Archives, but also an additional champagne, or “doré” dial that enhances its desirability. The reference 3974 is considered by many to be one of the most important Patek Philippe complicated wristwatches of the modern era, making the present example a rare opportunity for the connoisseur.

Lot 144 | PATEK PHILIPPE, Ref. 5078P–011, A possibly unique, incredibly rare, and attractive platinum minute repeating wristwatch with red seconds hand and black lacquer dial, 2012
Estimate $200,000 – 400,000

Patek Philippe’s reference 5078 is a stunning modern masterpiece featuring one of the most complex and desirable of all high complications – a minute repeater. Launched in 2008, it is the brand’s 21st century iteration of the striking wristwatch, and while it has a contemporary look and feel, it’s firmly rooted in horology’s traditional past. Housed within a 38mm diameter case, the now–discontinued platinum and rose gold versions of the reference were fitted with dials featuring slender and elegant Roman numeral hour markers and feuille hands.

The present watch is made extraordinary thanks to the special and possibly unique combination it was born with. Likely custom ordered by an important client, it is the only known version of this reference to feature a “red” seconds hand. Accordingly, it is designated on the certificate of origin as a reference 5078P–011 – the first and only known example of the reference to appear with this reference number.

Preserved in outstanding condition, the present watch is accompanied with its Certificate of Origin, a leather folio with portrait and model overview, and as well as an additional, solid caseback. The possibly unique red seconds hand is furthermore noted on the certificate. Consigned by the original owner, the uniqueness of its configuration and its pristine state of preservation make this one of the most important examples of the reference to appear on the market.

Patek Philippe’s Reference 5204 features the manufacturer’s first in–house split–seconds perpetual calendar caliber, replacing the former Lemania–based caliber used for the predecessor reference 5004. The 5204 includes upgrades such as an enlarged 40mm diameter case, baton numerals, a tweaked dial layout with “upside down” moon phase, and the 24–hour hand replaced by a day/night indication. The reference was released in platinum with an opaline silver dial and two years later with a black dial.

The addition of a split–second feature elevates the watch, with the split–second chronograph being one of the most daunting complications to execute, together with the minute repeater. Such mechanical prowess coupled with the proportions of the watch and the quintessentially Patek Philippe design of the piece made the reference 5204 an instant classic that is highly coveted by collectors.

The present example is offered for the first time at auction by the original owner and sports a stunning, and possibly unique black dial type with applied Breguet numerals and red hands for the chronograph seconds, minute counter, and running seconds. The watch is furthermore preserved in outstanding condition and is accompanied by its full set of accessories. Being the premiere reference to feature Patek Philippe’s first in–house split–seconds, the present “special–order” reference 5204 is without a doubt one of the most important versions of this milestone reference to appear on the market.

GLOBAL HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

➥ TAIPEI | 11 – 12 November | Louisa Coffee X Xiangshan Art & Culture Center No. 95, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District

➥ HONG KONG | 18– 24 November | G/F, WKCDA Tower, West Kowloon Cultural District, No. 8 Austin Road, West Kowloon

➥ NEW YORK | 6 – 8 December | 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY

➦ Auction: 9 – 10 December 2023

➦ Auction Sessions: Session I, 9 December 10:00am | Session II, 10 December 10:00am

➦ Auction viewing: 6 – 8 December
Wednesday 10:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday 10:00am – 7:00pm
Friday 10:00am – 7:00pm
Location: 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY, United States, 10022

Click here for more information: https://www.phillips.com/auctions/auction/NY080223

ABOUT PHILLIPS IN ASSOCIATION WITH BACS & RUSSO
The team of specialists at Phillips Watches is dedicated to an uncompromised approach to quality, transparency, and client service. Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo holds the world record for the most successful watch auction, with its Geneva Watch Auction: XIV having realized $74.5 million in 2021. Over the course of 2021 and 2022, the company sold 100% of the watches offered, a first in the industry, resulting in the highest annual total in history across all the auction houses at $227 million.
Record–breaking prices include:
➛ Paul Newman’s Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona reference 6239 (CHF 17,709,894 / US$17,752,500) – New York Auction: Winning Icons – 26 October 2017 – Highest result ever achieved for any vintage wristwatch at auction.
➛ Patek Philippe reference 1518 in stainless steel (CHF 11,020,000 / US$11,112,020) – Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR – 12 November 2016 – Highest result ever achieved for a vintage Patek Philippe wristwatch at auction.

ABOUT PHILLIPS
Phillips: where the world’s curious and bold connect with the art, design and luxury that inspires them. As a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century works, Phillips offers dedicated expertise in the areas of Modern and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewelry. Auctions and exhibitions are primarily held in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, with representative offices based throughout Europe, the United States and Asia. Phillips offers a regular selection of live and online auctions, along with items available for immediate purchase. Phillips also offers a range of services and advice on all aspects of collecting, including private sales and assistance with appraisals, valuations, and financial planning.
Visit phillips.com for further information.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium.