PHILLIPS announces Extraordinary Watch Auction in New York this December

This December, Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo will present The New York Watch Auction: XIII, featuring 146 timepieces of exceptional quality, rarity, and provenance. The sale, taking place across two days on 6-7 December, will be led by one of the most important watches to ever be offered at auction — Francis Ford Coppola’s unique F.P.Journe FFC prototype. It is being offered alongside six other watches from the Hollywood legend’s personal collection, including his Chronomètre à Résonance. Alongside this remarkable selection, Phillips is honored to offer an incredible, matching pair of timepieces made by one of the greatest independent watchmakers of the past century, Philippe Dufour — his Duality and Simplicity models, both with the extraordinary serial number of 01. In addition to a stellar offering of independent makers, The New York Watch Auction: XIII will also include significant collectors’ models from heritage brands, including Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Omega. Leading up to the auction, Phillips will host an exhibition of all watches, open to the public from 3-5 December at 432 Park Ave.

Paul Boutros, Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas, and Isabella Proia, Head of Sale and Senior International Specialist, jointly said, “As we conclude our 10-year anniversary auctions for Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, we are delighted to present highlights from The New York Watch Auction XIII. This season’s offerings reflect the extraordinary creativity and technical mastery of independent watchmakers and established brands, as well as the enduring passion collectors have for horology and the stories behind each timepiece. Among the most compelling is the first watch ever to use a human hand to indicate the time—conceived by Francis Ford Coppola and brought to life by François-Paul Journe—a singular fusion of cinematic imagination and horological innovation. We are equally thrilled to offer Philippe Dufour’s iconic Duality and Simplicity No. 01, two watches hailing from the same collection that distill the very essence of artisanal watchmaking. The market for historically significant, independently made timepieces continues to thrive, driven by collectors’ deep appreciation for rarity, provenance, and mechanical excellence. Looking ahead to the future following our first decade, we wish to sincerely thank our consignors, buyers, enthusiasts, brand representatives, watchmakers, and museums for their incredible support over the past 10 years.”

LOT 17 | F.P.JOURNE, FFC’S FFC Prototype

Estimate: In excess of $1 million

F.P.Journe’s endlessly fascinating FFC prototype, created for Francis Ford Coppola, will lead The New York Watch Auction: XIII. Unveiled in 2021 and inspired by a centuries-old mechanical hand concept, the FFC features a single, mechanical representation of a human hand that displays the hours through finger gestures — an idea first proposed by Coppola and realized by Journe after years of development. Engraved “Francis Ford Coppola,” it is a unique, prototype FFC with a platinum case and blackened titanium hand. One of the most whimsical, creative, and complicated Journe timepieces ever made, along with its incredible provenance — consigned by Francis Ford Coppola — the present lot represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for collectors. For the complete press release on all seven watches to be offered from the collection, click here.

LOT 94 | PHILIPPE DUFOUR, Duality “No. 01”

Estimate: $1,000,000–2,000,000

Phillips is honored to present F.P.Journe’s Duality “No. 01”, preserved in exceptional condition and one of only two known Duality watches crafted in white gold. Introduced in 1996, the Duality was Philippe Dufour’s second wristwatch. Like his groundbreaking Grande & Petite Sonnerie, it was another world’s first — the first wristwatch ever constructed with a double escapement, featuring two independent balance wheels regulated through a central differential. Although Dufour intended to produce 25 examples, the sheer complexity of crafting, assembling, and regulating each movement proved far more difficult than a tourbillon. Ultimately, only 10 Duality wristwatches were made. The present watch, previously unknown to the market, is consigned by an important collector who purchased it from the meticulous original owner and is accompanied not only by its certificate and wooden presentation box, but also by rarely seen paperwork including the original press kit and movement renderings. Its appearance marks a moment of genuine importance in the evolving scholarship of Philippe Dufour and, indeed, in the broader history of modern mechanical watchmaking.

LOT 95 | PHILIPPE DUFOUR, Simplicity 37MM “No. 01”

Estimate: $350,000–700,000

Philippe Dufour’s Simplicity No. 01, housed in a 37mm pink-gold case with white lacquer dial, is of extraordinary significance. As the very first 37mm example ever produced, it represents the genesis of Dufour’s larger-case evolution, a model that redefined contemporary appreciation for artisanal finishing and classical proportion. Introduced in 2000 as a tribute to the golden age of Swiss watchmaking, the Simplicity embodies Dufour’s ethos of patience, perfection, and authenticity, with every component of the movement hand-finished to his exacting standards. Its movement, bearing serial number 01, serves as a physical manifestation of Dufour’s philosophy: every bevel, bridge, and jewel aligned in harmony, executed by his own hand and eye. Offered alongside the Duality No. 01, it is consigned by an important collector who purchased it from the same, meticulous original owner, complete with its original accessories and original press kit. This fresh-to-market Simplicity offers connoisseurs a unique opportunity to acquire an exceptional timepiece with the extraordinary serial number of 01 that distills the very essence of independent haute horlogerie.

LOT 29 | ROLEX, Ref. 8171 “Padellone”

Estimate: $250,000–500,000

Rolex’s Reference 8171, known as the “Padellone” (Italian for large frying pan), is one of the most legendary, best proportioned, and consequently sought-after vintage wristwatches ever made. The present example, first appearing at auction in 2018 when consigned by the family of the original owner, is exceptional — hardly ever worn and most certainly never polished. It retains its harmonious case proportions, sharp edges, and crisp facets as originally delivered in 1952, with its engraved case number and Rolex coronet still perfectly crisp and visible on the caseback. The dial is equally stunning, its wonderful original grainé surface remaining in outstanding condition with minor signs of aging that harmonize beautifully with the case. Fitted with a period correct Gay Frères bracelet, this rare and outstanding 8171 exemplifies why the model is universally regarded as one of the greatest vintage wristwatches ever made.

LOT 77 | ROLEX, Ref. 6265 Cosmograph Daytona “Khanjar, Family of the Original Owner”

Estimate: $250,000–500,000

The Rolex Daytona reference 6265 to be offered in December is the only known black dial example featuring both a Green Khanjar emblem within the 12-hour subsidiary register and a “Big Red” Daytona logo at 6 o’clock —rendering it possibly unique. Commissioned by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said of Oman and presented as a gift of state, Khanjar dial watches signify royal provenance, with the green variant among the rarest. This fresh-to-market example is consigned by the son of the original owner, a career U.S. Air Force officer who later served as a personal pilot to the Dubai royal family. Gifted to him in the 1970s in appreciation of his service, the watch has remained in the family ever since, accompanied by a remarkable personal history that underscores its significance as both a collector’s treasure and a remarkable gift exemplifying trust and distinction.

LOT 26 | ROLEX, Ref. 6538 Submariner “Big Crown, Four Liner”

Estimate: $160,000–320,000

The present Rolex Submariner reference 6538, manufactured in 1958, is among the most impressive and best preserved “Big Crown” examples to appear publicly in recent years — a dream watch for collectors in terms of condition and originality. Known as the “James Bond Submariner” for its appearances on Sean Connery’s wrist in Dr. No, From Russia with Love, and Goldfinger, the reference 6538 is distinguished by its black lacquer “Swiss”-signed dial, lack of crown guards, and oversized 8mm crown. This example, a rare and desirable “Four Liner,” features a glossy dial with “Officially Certified Chronometer” designation and luminous hour markers and hands that have aged to a warm beige tone. The case retains its original bevels and facets, and the factory “Stainless Steel” engraving on the caseback remains perfectly crisp, clear signs it has never been polished. Preserved in remarkable condition and worn only sparingly, this 67-year-old Submariner represents an extraordinary opportunity for collectors.

LOT 103 | ROLEX, Ref. 6036 Dato-Compax Jean-Claude Killy “Family of the Original Owner”

Estimate: $120,000-240,000

From 1947 to 1962, Rolex produced a series of rare and innovative triple calendar chronograph wristwatches housed in Oyster cases, including references 4767, 5036, 6036, and 6236. Made in yellow and pink gold as well as stainless steel, these watches—in initially known as the Dato-Compax—are now more commonly referred to as the “Jean-Claude Killy,” named after the celebrated French Olympic ski champion and Rolex ambassador. After production ceased around 1962, Rolex never again offered a model with similar complications. The present example is entirely fresh-to-the-market, recently inherited by the grandson of the original owner, a Connecticut native and U.S. military veteran, after over 30 years in storage. It is preserved in superb condition, featuring a clean grené dial with strongly inked blue numerals, a crisp Oyster case, and a stretch riveted bracelet with matching engravings. With boldly engraved serial and reference numbers showing no signs of wear, this is one of the best-preserved Killys to surface in recent years, and an unmissable opportunity for the Rolex collecting community.

LOT 97 | F.P.JOURNE, Chronomètre à Résonance “Sincere Fine Watches”

Estimate: $300,000–600,000

The present 40mm Chronomètre à Résonance in 18K pink gold may resemble a coveted “Boutique Edition,” but it is in fact far rarer. Its dial, crafted from a thin slice of natural black mother-of-pearl, reveals a mesmerizing array of iridescent hues when tilted toward the light — an effect that sets it apart from the standard black dials introduced in 2010. Produced as part of a limited series for the 50th anniversary of Singaporean retailer Sincere Fine Watches, only 10 examples of the Résonance were made in this configuration. Black mother-of-pearl, also known as Tahitian mother-of-pearl, is significantly rarer than its white counterpart. Complete with its certificate of authenticity, warranty, and original accessories, this visually captivating timepiece offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire one of F.P.Journe’s most extraordinary and elusive creations.

LOT 41 | PATEK PHILIPPE, Ref. 3940J “Doré Dial”

Estimate: $120,000–240,000

The present Patek Philippe reference 3940J is a particularly exceptional example of this legendary model, bearing all the hallmarks of early-series production and featuring the elusive doré dial, confirmed by its Certificate of Origin. Introduced in 1985, reference 3940 marked a pivotal moment in modern watchmaking, ushering in a new era of ultra-slim automatic perpetual calendars and embodying Philippe Stern’s vision of mechanical purity and timeless design. The doré dial, with its golden-pink hue, was produced exclusively during the first and early second series and is revered by collectors for both its beauty and historical significance. Accompanied by its original Certificate of Origin, purchase receipt, and presentation box, the present watch offers a rare glimpse into how such timepieces were originally delivered at the height of Patek Philippe’s late-20th-century renaissance. To encounter a doré-dial 3940J in this state of preservation and completeness is nearly unheard of, making it a true prize for the discerning collector.

THREE EXTRAORDINARY F.P.JOURNE SOUSCRIPTION WATCHES

F.P.Journe’s Souscription series represents the genesis of one of the most important independent watchmaking ventures of the modern era. Offered to the first twenty clients who subscribed to Journe’s inaugural Tourbillon Souverain, these watches not only financed the birth of his manufacture but also laid the foundation for a legacy of technical innovation and mechanical poetry. The New York Watch Auction: XIII is proud to present three incredible examples from the series. The Chronomètre à Résonance No. 17 is among the three to be offered in December, confirmed by its Authenticity Certificate as one of the elusive Souscription series — distinguished by its deep, laser-etched caseback and its philosophical pursuit of chronometric harmony. Matching it in number and provenance, the Octa Réserve de Marche No. 17 features a white gold dial and showcases Journe’s foresight in creating an automatic movement designed for future complications, offered here fresh-to-market with its original accessories and Authenticity Certificate confirming it as a Souscription watch. Completing the trio is the Octa Chronographe No. 19, a rare and technically groundbreaking flyback chronograph with a 120-hour power reserve and shimmery pink gold dial, representing one of the most inventive chronograph wristwatches of its time. Together, these three Souscription watches form a remarkable constellation of early Journe production — each a milestone in the evolution of independent horology.

EXCEPTIONAL OMEGA WATCHES FROM AN IMPORTANT AMERICAN COLLECTOR

From the collection of an important American connoisseur come nine extraordinary Omega timepieces, each representing a pinnacle of rarity, innovation, and historical significance. The Constellation Grande Luxe “Platinum” Ref. PA 16.331 is one of only two known examples, believed to have been specially commissioned for a member of the Kuwaiti royal family in the late 1950s. Executed entirely in platinum and adorned with diamond hour markers, it radiates refinement and is preserved in superb condition with an Omega Certificate from 2003. The Speedmaster Professional “MIR 365 Days” is one of just 28 stainless steel examples flown aboard the MIR space station for a full year from 1993 to 1994. Number 23 in the series, it is offered in outstanding condition with the most complete set of original Omega accessories ever seen publicly. Completing the trio is the Tourbillon 30 I, one of only twelve experimental movements created by Omega in 1947 for observatory chronometer trials, and one of just three known to be cased in 18K yellow gold. With a remarkable competition pedigree and an exceptional state of preservation, it stands as one of the most important Omega wristwatches ever offered at auction. Together, these watches form a museum-worthy testament to Omega’s technical mastery and enduring legacy.