Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo unveils Highlights from the Hong Kong Watch Auction: XX

HONG KONG – 16 APRIL 2025 – Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is delighted to present highlights from the Hong Kong Watch Auction: XX, set to take place from 23-25 May at the company’s Asia headquarters in the West Kowloon Cultural District. Comprised of 258 lots, the sale features an extraordinary collection of timepieces showcasing the pinnacle of horological craftsmanship and historical significance. Among the leading highlights is the possibly unique Patek Philippe ref. 5970P with special red hands. Independent watchmaking is represented by F.P. Journe’s Tourbillon Souverain and Chronomètre à Résonance Black Label. Vintage Rolex enthusiasts will be captivated by the rare Cosmograph ref. 6263 with the UAE Quraysh Hawk emblem. Additionally, the auction features 16 exceptional 19th-century timepieces made for the Chinese market, which will be offered in a dedicated Evening session on 23 May, offering collectors a unique opportunity to acquire some of the most coveted and historically significant watches.

A selection of sale highlights will go on an international tour in Singapore (18-19 April), Taipei (3-4 May) and Geneva (7-11 May). The preview will then open in Hong Kong on 16 May, leading to the live auction.

Thomas Perazzi, Head of Watches, Asia, and Gertrude Wong, Head of Sale, jointly said, “As Phillips Watches celebrates its 10th anniversary, we are delighted to offer an exceptional array of timepieces that represent the pinnacle of horological artistry and historical significance. We are particularly honoured to present a museum-quality collection comprising pocket watches and mechanical curiosities made for the Chinese market, alongside unique Cartier clocks inspired by Far East culture. This collection, spanning from the 1800s to the 1930s and stored for over three decades, will be showcased in our Hong Kong auction this May. In addition, we continue to offer important wristwatches, including rare Patek Philippe models and iconic pieces that shape today’s horological landscape. We celebrate both historical treasures and innovative independent watchmakers, looking forward to sharing these remarkable collectibles with fellow enthusiasts and collectors.”

Exquisite 19th Century Timepieces and Mechanical Curiosities Made for the Chinese Market

Flintlock pistol form perfume sprinkler watches are amongst the greatest rarities in automated precious objects, having fascinated the world for centuries with their romantic design. The present yellow gold pistol features intricate enamel work, pearls, diamonds, and a concealed watch with a manual key-wound movement that can be attributed to Moulinié, Bautte & Cie. Only a dozen surviving examples exist today, housed in prestigious collections like the Patek Philippe Museum and Topkapi Palace Museum. This well-preserved piece, accompanied by its original enamelled winding key manufactured by Ragnaud a Genève, offers collectors a unique opportunity to acquire a coveted object.

Another highlight from the curation of 19th Century timepieces made for the Chinese market is the Grande and Petite Sonnerie pocket watch, made 135 years ago, a rare masterpiece preserved in a private collection for nearly 30 years. Crafted by L. Vrard & Cie and decorated by P. Amédeé Champod, it features intricate hunting scenes and 154 pearls on its powder blue enamel case. Documented in “La Montre Chinoise,” it was commissioned by a prominent Chinese collector in the late 19th century. The watch includes a white enamel dial with Louis XIV hands, Roman numerals, and gold decorations. Complete with its original mahogany presentation box, this exceptional piece is a significant collector’s treasure.

This exceptionally rare pair of ornate antique pocket watches by Swiss watchmaker Edouard Juvet represents the pinnacle of 19th-century decorative watchmaking. Crafted in Fleurier for the Chinese market, these timepieces feature Juvet’s signature enamel work depicting the legend of Titus and Berenice. The demand in China for Swiss watches had exploded during the mid-19th century, and Juvet’s exquisite enamel work was highly prized. Each watch contains a highly praised key-wound movement, with intricate decorations and pristine enamel dials. Accompanied by their original leather presentation box, these well-preserved watches are a testament to Juvet’s legacy and the cultural exchange of the era, making them prized relics for collectors.

Important Patek Philippe

A leading highlight from this season’s Patek Philippe group is a possibly unique ref. 5970P-013 in platinum. Launched as the successor to iconic models (1518, 2499, 3970), ref. 5970 represents Thierry Stern’s effort to honour tradition while making his own choices in design and innovation. This factory double-sealed example, fresh to the auction market, is exceptionally rare. It features four stunning red hands, an English calendar, and the inscription “A Mon Fils” (To My Son) on its sapphire caseback, adding profound sentimental value. Its rarity and emotional significance make it a crown jewel for collectors.

Another standout is ref. 3700 Nautilus, bearing a prominent Khanjar emblem at six o’clock, representing one of only four known in stainless steel. Timepieces bearing the Omani “Khanjar” emblem were specially commissioned by Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said and given as prestigious gifts to his closest dignitaries and officials. Receiving such a watch was a high honour, and these timepieces are now cherished heirlooms, passed down through generations. The present example is in exceptional condition and is the only one confirmed by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives with a Coat of Arms on the dial. Its rarity and historical significance make it one of the most collectible reference 3700 to appear on the market in recent years.

The Patek Philippe ref. 3971, now considered neo-vintage, has become highly collectible among enthusiasts. Inheriting the classic stepped lug case from its predecessor ref. 2499. It was introduced in 1986 with a 36mm diameter and a new dial configuration featuring the “American Typewriter” typeface. Introduced alongside with the ref. 3970, the model features a snap on sapphire caseback that displays its Lemania calibre in full glory. An extremely rare find, within 100 examples of the first series in yellow gold, only a handful of 3971J have appeared in the market. This present first series example, born in 1987, features an exceptionally rare Italian calendar and has been well-preserved in a private collection.

The Patek Philippe ref. 3448, introduced in 1962, was the world’s first serially produced self-winding perpetual calendar, featuring a unique angular case design crafted by Antoine Gerlach. Produced until 1981 with only 586 pieces across four precious metals, it housed the exquisite calibre 27-460 Q, which is highly regarded by collectors as one of the most impressive movements of the era. Exceptionally rare, the “Senza Luna” versions without moon phase, like the present piece in yellow gold confirmed by the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives, are highly sought after, with only four known examples in the metal, making it a prized collectible.

Produced between 1993 and 2011, Patek Philippe ref. 5016 was once the most complicated wristwatch crafted by the manufacturer, combining a minute repeater, perpetual calendar, tourbillon, moon phases, and retrograde date. Offered in four precious metals, platinum examples feature silver or black dials with the movement number printed below the moon phase. Approximately 200 examples were produced before discontinuation in 2011. The retrograde date resets gracefully through a spiral spring and rebound limiter mechanism. Housed in a 37mm case, the manual winding caliber is visible through the sapphire case back. With less than 20 examples resurfacing in the auction market, this beautifully preserved piece is being offered for the first time and is complete with original accessories.

The present F.P. Journe’s Tourbillon Souverain is from the fourth generation, produced between 2001 and 2003. Measuring 38mm, these pieces were crafted in platinum and pink gold, with yellow, white, and rare pink gold dial plates. Notable features include a flat remontoir balance cock, smaller dial screws, deeper caseback engravings, and upgraded holt head screws. This brass movement example, with a white gold dial and case, has developed a unique patina and is accompanied by its original warranty card and presentation box, offering a rare opportunity to acquire one of Journe’s finest creations.

Since its introduction in 2000, the Chronomètre à Résonance has become an iconic timepiece in contemporary horology, inspired by Antide Janvier’s resonance phenomenon. François-Paul Journe’s quest culminated in the first wristwatch utilizing this effect, featuring two independent balance wheels for enhanced accuracy. The second generation, RN series, launched in 2004, includes this 40mm model with an 18K pink gold movement and exclusive Black Label dial. Discontinued in 2009, this Chronomètre à Résonance Black Label is the 5th example to appear in the market. Preserved in excellent condition and complete with its full set of accessories, this represents an uber rare iteration of one of the most significant horological breakthroughs in recent decades.

Launched in 1995, the Gouverneur collection marked Piaget‘s entry into the high-end watch market. François-Paul Journe, then a freelance movement designer, created the grand sonnerie wristwatch prototype, featuring the caliber 1996P with grande and petite sonnerie, minute repeater, and power reserve indicator. This masterpiece, with visible hammers on the dial, was unconventional for its time. Only six of the originally commissioned ten pieces were produced due to manufacturing complexity. This rare example, the third to appear at auction, is the only known white gold version with a silvered dial.

Vintage Rolex

The present Rolex Cosmograph ref. 6263, featuring the UAE Quraysh Hawk emblem and the Arabic script signature of the Ministry of Defense, is a super rare and highly coveted piece among vintage watch collectors. Made for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this watch has a remarkable history and exceptional condition, with its case retaining sharp edges and the original Rolex sticker. Only a handful of these special commissions exist, with modified dials being significantly rarer. This example includes an exclusive letter from Rolex and an ultra-rare presentation box, making it a standout treasure for discerning collectors.