Museum-Quality Pink Gold Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 To Star In Phillips’ New York Watch Auction: XIV

NEW YORK – 10 APRIL 2026 – Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is pleased to announce early highlights from The New York Watch Auction: XIV. Among the extraordinary watches on offer will be an exceptional pink gold Patek Philippe reference 1518, universally regarded as one of the most sought‑after vintage Patek Philippe wristwatches in existence and the world’s first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph. The example to be offered in June is in extraordinary, museum‑quality condition and was previously unknown to the public sphere. Early highlights also an exceptionally rare F.P.Journe Tourbillon Souverain Anniversaire “Hong Kong,” numbered 1 of only 5 examples produced, as well as an historically significant Tiffany & Co.–signed Patek Philippe owned by Paul Starrett, the visionary builder behind the Empire State Building. Multiple, extremely well-preserved Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytonas will also be featured, including a reference 6239 in 18 karat gold with virtually flawless champagne dial, and “Panda” reference 6263 in stainless steel. Together, these watches underscore the continued strength of the watch market in the Americas — particularly in New York — as well as sustained global demand for fresh‑to‑market, best‑in‑class timepieces with exceptional rarity and provenance. The New York Watch Auction: XIV will take place on 13–14 June, with a public exhibition open 10–12 June at 432 Park Avenue.

Paul Boutros, Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas, and Isabella Proia, Head of Sale and Senior International Specialist, said, “Following a record‑setting and truly market‑defining year for Phillips Watches in 2025, we are seeing that momentum continue with remarkable strength. We have just concluded our third 100%-sold online watch auction of the year, bringing our sale total for 2026 to over $10 million globally, a remarkable feat achieved before any of our live sales have been held. Collectors today are increasingly focused on watches that define categories and establish benchmarks, and few references embody that ideal as powerfully as the Patek Philippe reference 1518 — one of the most important and sought‑after vintage wristwatches ever produced. We’re thrilled to present a pink gold example that is both fresh-to-market, in stunning condition, and one that will be immediately recognized as perhaps the best-preserved example to ever surface. When considered alongside multiple superb Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytonas, and the hardly-ever-seen titanium F.P.Journe Tourbillon Souverain Anniversaire, these highlights offer an early look at what will be a remarkable New York auction to conclude Phillips’ spring season.”

PATEK PHILIPPE, Ref. 1518, 1948

Among the sale’s top highlights is an extraordinary Patek Philippe reference 1518 in pink gold from 1948 — a watch that stands among the finest and most important examples of the reference ever to surface. Introduced in 1941 as the world’s first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch, the 1518 represents a cornerstone of 20th-century horology and the foundation of Patek Philippe’s most celebrated complicated chronographs, from the references 2499 and 3970 through to the modern 5270. Of the approximately 281 examples produced between 1941 and 1954, only around 58 are believed to have been cased in pink gold, making the present watch exceptionally rare. Previously unknown to the public sphere and fresh to the auction market, this “museum quality” example is distinguished by its breathtaking state of preservation: the untouched Vichet case retains razor-sharp edges, full factory finishing, and deeply struck hallmarks, while the original dial, with Portuguese calendar discs, displays a beautiful, harmonious patina with all raised enamel printing fully intact. It is quite possibly the best-preserved pink gold reference 1518 to have ever surfaced, representing a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the most discerning collectors.

F.P.JOURNE, Tourbillon Souverain Anniversaire “Hong Kong” No. 1, circa 2010

An extraordinary modern rarity, this F.P.Journe Tourbillon Souverain Anniversaire “Hong Kong,” circa 2010, represents one of the most exclusive expressions of François‑Paul Journe’s tourbillon legacy. Numbered 1 of just 5 examples produced to commemorate the anniversary of the brand’s Hong Kong boutique, the present watch is housed in a lightweight titanium case accented by an 18K pink gold crown, hands, and deployant clasp, paired with a striking ruthenium‑coated dial with pink gold details. Powering the watch is the landmark manual‑wound caliber 1403, distinguished by its constant force remontoire, deadbeat seconds, and solid pink gold movement — a major technical evolution introduced with the Tourbillon Nouveau in 2004 that significantly improved precision over earlier iterations. Unlike standard production models, which were cased in platinum or pink gold, this limited Anniversaire edition combines advanced mechanics with a highly contemporary aesthetic, making it anything but conventional. Preserved in excellent, unpolished condition and accompanied by its original certificate and presentation box, this watch stands as a highly desirable and increasingly elusive collector’s trophy within the world of limited‑edition F.P.Journe timepieces.

ROLEX, Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman” Ref. 6239, circa 1967

An exceptionally rare and beautifully preserved example of the reference 6239 Cosmograph Daytona, this circa 1967 chronograph is cased in 18K yellow gold and fitted with the highly coveted champagne “Paul Newman” exotic dial. One of approximately 300 gold reference 6239s produced — and among only a handful known with this dial configuration — the present watch retains an outstanding state of preservation, with a virtually flawless creamy champagne dial, perfectly intact luminous plots matching the hands, and crisp, unpolished case lines with sharp hallmarks. The manual-wind caliber 722-1 operates correctly, and the watch is accompanied by a later-sourced 18K yellow gold Rolex riveted Oyster bracelet that beautifully complements its monochromatic gold aesthetic. Offered previously at Phillips New York in 2020 from the family of the original owner, this remarkable Daytona reappears unchanged in condition, representing a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most elusive and desirable Paul Newman Daytonas ever to surface publicly.

PATEK PHILIPPE, Ref. 3940 Beyer, 1985

An exceptionally rare and historically important Patek Philippe reference 3940, this 1985 yellow gold perpetual calendar was produced as part of the inaugural group created to celebrate the 225th anniversary of Chronométrie Beyer in Zurich. Numbered 20 of just 25 examples, it belongs to the very first series of reference 3940s and is distinguished by its ultra‑rare doré, or champagne, dial — made exclusively for Beyer, with only 25 examples produced in total. Introduced in 1985, the reference 3940 marked a new era for Patek Philippe, replacing the reference 3450 and debuting the ultra‑thin caliber 240Q with micro‑rotor, allowing for an elegant 36mm case that remained in production for over two decades. Preserved in excellent original condition, the present watch features crisp hallmarks, a flawless dial, and a fully legible commemorative engraving on the solid gold caseback. Accompanied by its original certificate of origin, presentation box, accessories, and a signed letter from Theodore Beyer, this complete Beyer‑signed 3940 represents a cornerstone example from the very beginning of one of Patek Philippe’s most celebrated perpetual calendar references

ROLEX, Daytona “Paul Newman Panda” Ref. 6263, circa 1970

An important and highly desirable Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 6263, this circa 1970 stainless steel chronograph is fitted with the coveted exotic “Paul Newman Panda” dial and ranks among the most iconic executions of the model. Introduced in 1969 as the water-resistant successor to the reference 6240, the 6263 featured screw‑down pushers and the upgraded caliber 727, firmly establishing the Daytona Oyster as a professional chronograph. The present example is distinguished by its beautifully preserved Mark 1.5 Panda dial, characterized by serif “Rolex Oyster Cosmograph” typography and a striking monochromatic white‑and‑black layout that perfectly complements the black acrylic bezel. Retaining crisp and original Mark 1 “millerighe” pushers, the watch is preserved in exceptional condition, with a flawless creamy white dial and perfectly intact luminous material that has aged to an attractive beige‑gold tone. Making only its second appearance at auction, the watch was acquired by the current consignor at Phillips in 2017 when it was consigned by the original Japanese owner. It has remained unworn since. Now returning to market for the first time in nine years, this outstanding “two‑owner” “Paul Newman Panda” represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most beautiful and collectible Daytona configurations in remarkable, original condition.

PATEK PHILIPPE, Nautilus ref. 3700/11, retailed by Tiffany & Co., 1986

This year marks a particularly significant milestone for Patek Philippe, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Nautilus — an enduring icon whose design language remains as relevant and coveted today as it was at its inception. Production of the original Nautilus reference 3700 was divided into two principal series. Early examples produced between 1976 and 1982 were designated reference 3700/1, while later pieces manufactured from 1982 until the end of production in 1990 were designated 3700/11. The former featured a broader bracelet, whereas the latter introduced a more tapered profile, lending a more refined and streamlined presence on the wrist. Elevating its importance, the present example was retailed by Tiffany & Co., bearing the highly coveted double signature of the prestigious American retailer. The signature, elegantly printed on the dial at 6 o’clock, not only denotes the watch’s original point of sale but also significantly enhances its rarity and historical appeal. It is only the fourth known reference 3700 Nautilus in stainless steel with Tiffany-signed dial, making it a trophy watch for the most discerning collector. Accompanied by its Extract from the Archives and recently unsealed following a full service by Patek Philippe, the watch is presented in fresh, well-preserved, and ready-to-wear condition, poised to accompany its next custodian as the Nautilus celebrates its golden jubilee.

PATEK PHILIPPE for Tiffany & Co., “Paul Starrett,” 1929

As announced separately, the sale will include an extraordinary and historically resonant Tiffany & Co.–signed Patek Philippe wristwatch once owned by Paul Starrett, the master builder behind the Empire State Building and many of New York City’s most iconic landmarks. Produced in 1929 and sold by Tiffany & Co. in November 1930, the watch was acquired as Starrett oversaw the construction of what would become the world’s tallest building. Fresh-to-the-market and offered directly by his grandson, the present watch is exceptionally well preserved and distinguished by its oversized rectangular case — measuring an impressive 36.5mm by 26mm — a bold and progressive design for its era that remains strikingly wearable today. A quintessential expression of the Art Deco period, it features Breguet numerals, a high‑grade manually wound movement, and richly engraved floral scrollwork along the case band — a highly unusual decorative flourish for a wristwatch of the time. Signed exclusively by Tiffany & Co. on the dial and fitted with a superb 18‑karat gold mesh bracelet of the period, with a caseback bearing the initials, “PS,” this remarkable wristwatch unites impeccable provenance, outstanding condition, and profound historical significance, offering a rare opportunity to acquire a tangible piece of New York City history.

Auction: 13–14 June 2026
Auction viewing: 10–12 June 2026
Location: 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY
Click here for more information: https://www.phillips.com/auction/NY080126/overview