Phillips In Association with Bacs & Russo unveils highlights from The Geneva Watch Auction: XXI

GENEVA – 24 MARCH 2025 – Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is delighted to present highlights of the Geneva Watch Auction: XXI, set to take place on 10 and 11 May 2025. Phillips’ first live watch auction of the year will showcase an extraordinary selection of nearly 200 rare and collectible timepieces, spanning both vintage and contemporary horology.

Among the standout highlights is the only known Patek Philippe Ref. 3448 in pink gold, a newly discovered Rolex Daytona Ref. 6264 ‘Paul Newman Lemon’ in yellow gold, and a remarkable Rolex Triple Calendar Ref. 8171 in pink gold.

The sale will also present an exceptional Universal Genève Polerouter in white gold with a handmade bracelet, auctioned for charity, as well as a prototype of the world’s thinnest watch, the Konstantin Chaykin ThinKing. Further highlights include an F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain featuring a rare ruby heart dial and a unique Vacheron Constantin minute repeater in platinum reference 6448

Ahead of the auction, a curated selection of highlights will embark on an international tour, making stops in London, New York, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, and Riyadh, offering collectors and enthusiasts the opportunity to preview these extraordinary timepieces. Further details and the full catalog will be released in the coming weeks.

Alexandre Ghotbi, Head of Watches, Continental Europe & Middle East,and Tiffany To, Head of Sale, jointlysaid, “At Phillips Watches, we pride ourselves on our commitment to curating the extraordinary. Our upcoming Geneva auction is no exception, as we have meticulously selected timepieces that are not only rare but also tell a unique story. We always try to aim to surprise our collectors with our selection and hope that – with the first live auction of 2025 and as we kick off our 10th anniversary year- the pieces offered in our Geneva Watch Auction XXI will be a testament to our collectors and watch community, as well as to the artistry and craftsmanship that define the world of horology.”

PATEK PHILIPPE

PATEK PHILIPPE | Ref. 3448, 18k Pink Gold, 1968
Estimate: CHF 2,000,000 – 4,000,000
When it first appeared at auction in 2011, this watch confirmed the existence of a pink gold 3448, solving a long-standing debate among experts. Until then, only yellow, white gold and platinum versions were known. To date, no other pink gold example has surfaced. Beyond its rarity, Ref. 3448 is a masterpiece of design and engineering. Its 37mm case, made by Antoine Gerlach, features an angular, modern aesthetic that still inspires contemporary Patek Philippe references. The engraved Second Series dial has aged to a warm ivory hue, perfectly complementing the pink gold case. The watch is further distinguished by the “Double P” crown, a subtle nod to its automatic movement. As the world’s first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch, Ref. 3448 holds a revered place in watchmaking history. This singular trophy, retailed by Uruguay’s Freccero, represents the pinnacle of vintage Patek Philippe collecting.

PATEK PHILIPPE | Ref. 3974, 18k Yellow Gold, 1991
Estimate: CHF 250,000 – 500,000
Launched in 1989 to celebrate Patek Philippe’s 150th anniversary, the Ref. 3974 is among the most important complicated timepieces ever produced. With only 120 pieces crafted over 13 years, early examples—like this one—stand out for their “JHP” stamp, indicating a case made by legendary master casemaker Jean-Pierre Hagmann. Beyond its exquisite minute repeater and perpetual calendar mechanism, this watch carries additional provenance. Sold in 1991, its Certificate is stamped by Milan’s historic Patek Philippe retailer, Orologeria Verga, one of Italy’s most esteemed watch boutiques.
ROLEX

ROLEX | Ref. 6264, 18k Yellow Gold, Circa 1970
Estimate: CHF 650,000 – 1,300,000
A true collector’s dream, this exceptionally rare Rolex Daytona Ref. 6264 “Paul Newman Lemon” in 18k yellow gold is making its debut at auction this May. Coming to auction from the family of the original owner, this extraordinary piece has remained untouched in a safe since 1996. Distinguished by its creamy yellow “Lemon” dial, this watch features a matte, grené texture and stark white Art Deco sub-dial numerals, setting it apart from standard champagne-dial versions. Adding to its allure, the sub-dials and outer track have aged into a rich tropical brown. Belonging to a known serial range of exceptionally rare 6264 Lemon Paul Newmans, this timepiece is one of only a handful known to exist.

ROLEX | Ref. 8171, 18k Pink Gold, Circa 1950
Estimate: CHF 350,000 – 700,000
This exceptional Rolex Ref. 8171 “Padellone” in pink gold is one of the rarest and most sought-after vintage Rolex watches. Produced between 1949 and 1952, the 8171 is one of only two Rolex models to feature a triple calendar and moonphase, making it a landmark in the brand’s history. With a large 38mm case crafted by Favre-Perret, this watch departs from Rolex’s traditional tool-watch aesthetic, embracing a more refined, dress-watch design. This example is among the finest known, featuring an untouched dial that has aged to a warm ivory hue and an exceptionally crisp, well-preserved case. Adding to its provenance, it comes with its original guarantee and COSC certificate, making it the only pink gold 8171 known with full documentation.

INDEPENDENT WATCHMAKING

KONSTANTIN CHAYKIN | ThinKing Prototype, Nickel Alloy, 2025
Estimate: CHF 350,000 – 700,000
A landmark in modern watchmaking, Konstantin Chaykin’s “ThinKing” prototype, the world’s thinnest wristwatch at just 1.65mm, is set to make its auction debut this May. Renowned for his playful yet complex Wristmons, Chaykin has spent over two decades pushing the boundaries of watchmaking with nearly 100 patents and world-first complications. In 2024, he stunned the industry by unveiling the ThinKing, a manually wound watch featuring a dual-balance system, ultra-thin winding barrel, and lever escapement. This prototype represents the final evolution of the watch, featuring a nickel alloy case, improved power reserve, and enhanced durability. A piece of horological history, this is the first-ever ThinKing to be offered at auction.

F.P. JOURNE | Tourbillon Souverain, Platinum with Ruby Heart Dial, Circa 2019
Estimate: CHF 250,000 – 500,000
One of only 20 pieces produced in 2019 and 2020, this exceptionally rare F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain features a unique natural ruby heart stone dial, crafted in F.P. Journe’s Geneva workshop. This example is further distinguished by its heavy platinum bracelet. The Tourbillon Souverain Remointoire d’Égalité avec Seconde Morte, introduced in 2004, is celebrated for its constant-force mechanism and deadbeat seconds complication, ensuring unparalleled precision. Encased in 40mm platinum, the watch embodies F.P. Journe’s signature aesthetic, with guilloché silver subdials and a sapphire caseback revealing its exceptional movement. This collector’s piece is preserved in outstanding condition and is offered complete with original accessories.

ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

UNIVERSAL GENÈVE | Unique Polerouter, 18k White Gold, 2024
Estimate: CHF 25,000 – 50,000
Universal Genève’s Tribute Polerouter SAS in white gold marks the brand’s highly anticipated revival under new ownership. Following decades of dormancy, Universal Genève, now under private-investment firms Partners Group and CVC Capital Partners (Breitling), previewed its return in 2024 with three unique Polerouter SAS tributes. This white gold model will be the only one available for sale. Created to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the first SAS transpolar flight in 1954, this piece pays homage to the original Polerouter with a 33.5mm case, vintage UG micro-rotor movement, and a woven mesh bracelet by Laurent Jolliet. A translucent blue dial adds a contemporary touch. Offered directly by Universal Genève, proceeds will benefit a chainmaking training within CFP Arts Geneva, ensuring the preservation of watchmaking craftsmanship. A historic moment for collectors, this piece defines Universal Genève’s resurgence.

VACHERON CONSTANTIN | Ref. 6448, Platinum, 1961
Estimate: CHF 120,000 – 240,000
As Vacheron Constantin’s final vintage minute repeater wristwatch, the Ref. 6448 holds a unique place in horological history. Produced in just three unique examples, this platinum version with diamond indexes has remained within the same family since its creation in 1961. Unlike its white gold counterparts, the present watch features a contemporary brushed platinum case. Vacheron Constantin has been a pioneer in minute repeaters since 1812, crafting some of the most refined chiming timepieces. This watch combines rarity, mechanical artistry, and provenance. Fresh to the market, this watch presents collectors with an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of Vacheron Constantin’s legacy.

GLOBAL HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

LONDON | 13 – 15 March | Phillips, 30 Berkeley Square, London W1J 6EX
NEW YORK | 26 – 28 March | Phillips, 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022
HONG KONG | 28 – 30 March | Phillips Perpetual, 503 Pedder Arcade, Pedder Building, 12 Pedder St, Central, Hong Kong
DUBAI | 10 – 12 April | MB&F M.A.D Gallery, First Floor, Unit FF, 290 – 269 Financial Center Rd, Downtown Dubai, Dubai UAE
SINGAPORE | 18 – 19 April | The Singapore EDITION Hotel Level LG, Studio 3 38 Cuscaden Road, S(249731)
RIYADH | 22 – 23 April |
Auction: 10 & 11 May 2025
Auction viewing: 7 – 11 May 2025
Location: Hotel President, 407 Quai Wilson, Geneva, Switzerland, 1201