The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV

Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo Announces Highlights from The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV on 28-29 November

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Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is pleased to announce highlights ahead of The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV, which will take place over the course of two sessions on 28 to 29 November at the JW Marriott in Hong Kong. Featuring over 260 lots, the sale will be led by an extremely fine Patek Philippe Reference 2499 from the first series in yellow gold manufactured in 1953. The sale also includes several other important timepieces from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Philippe Dufour, Roger Smith, F.P.Journe, and Cartier, among others. Beginning 30 September, Highlights from the sale will embark on a world tour in New York, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, London, Taichung, Taipei and Geneva. 

Thomas Perazzi, Head of Watches, Asia, Phillips, said: “Following the success of our Spring sale in Hong Kong which achieved the highest ever result for a various owner watches auction in Asia, we are delighted to present the Hong Kong watch Fall sale. From the extremely fine first series Patek Philippe Reference 2499 in yellow gold, to often-rare timepieces by top independent watchmakers such as Philippe Dufour, Roger Smith, and F.P. Journe, the sale offers collectors an opportunity to acquire remarkable and well-preserved timepieces. We look forward to welcoming you at our international previews and introducing these outstanding timepieces to watch enthusiasts across the globe.”

Patek Philippe, Reference 2499 first series in yellow gold. Circa 1953 Estimate: HK$7,800,000 - 15,600,000/ US$1,000,000 – 2,000,000
Patek Philippe, Reference 2499 first series in yellow gold. Circa 1953 Estimate: HK$7,800,000 – 15,600,000/ US$1,000,000 – 2,000,000

Patek Philippe

The sale presents an exceptional group of watches by Patek Philippe, led by a highly important and well-preserved Reference 2499 from the first series in yellow gold, from 1953 (illustrated page 1). Hidden in private hands for the past 25 years since it was last seen in public at an auction in 1997, the watch has been preserved in the same condition as it was last offered. The present lot includes an Extract from the Archives issued by Patek Philippe confirming the date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1953 and its subsequent date of sale on 1st October 1956.

Patek Philippe, Reference 5207/700P-001 in platinum. Circa 2016 Estimate: HK$5,500,000 - 8,500,000/ US$705,000-1,090,000
Patek Philippe, Reference 5207/700P-001 in platinum. Circa 2016 Estimate: HK$5,500,000 – 8,500,000/ US$705,000-1,090,000

Released in 2008, the Patek Philippe Reference 5207 was at the time of its launch the top three most complicated wristwatches ever produced by the firm. In 2015, Patek Philippe released arguably their most interesting iteration via the Reference 5207/700P-001, like the present example, featuring a brown hand-guilloche dial with mahogany obsidian inlays. The present example is the very first of the Reference 5207/700P-001 to appear on the auction market, and it is being offered in as-new condition.

Patek Philippe, Reference 5275P-001 in platinum. Circa 2015 Estimate: HK$3,000,000-5,000,000/ US$385,000-641,000
Patek Philippe, Reference 5275P-001 in platinum. Circa 2015 Estimate: HK$3,000,000-5,000,000/ US$385,000-641,000

The Patek Philippe Reference 5275P is a chiming jump hour timepiece, released in a limited edition of 175
examples, in honour of the firm’s 175th anniversary. The present reference was one of six limited edition timepieces released by the Maison in celebration of their milestone. Inspired by the 1989 anniversary Jump Hour Reference 3969, the Reference 5275P is an iconic and beautiful modern take with a platinum engraved case, dial and a chime at the top of the hour. The Reference 5275P is known for its grand and crisp chiming mechanism, and the combination of the dial and side of its flanks decorated with intricate engravings of floral motifs combines technical mastery representation of Patek Philippe’s excellence in watchmaking.

Patek Philippe, Reference 5959P-011 in platinum. Circa 2014 Estimate: HK$1,600,000 - 2,700,000/ US$205,000-346,000
Patek Philippe, Reference 5959P-011 in platinum. Circa 2014 Estimate: HK$1,600,000 – 2,700,000/ US$205,000-346,000

Making its important debut in 2005, the Patek Philippe Reference 5959 is truly one of a kind paying its homage to early chronographs manufactured by the firm dating back to the 1920s. While it is believed that most examples were fitted with a white dial throughout the course of its production before it was discontinued in 2018, only a fraction were produced with a black dial with no more than a handful resurfaced back into the market since. Powering the watch is Patek Philippe’s first entirely in-house chronograph movement featuring a 60-minute chronograph register, instead of the conventional 30-minute register.

Independents

Phillips has been a proponent of independent watchmaking and, once again, will offer a selection of carefully curated timepieces from some of the most creative and talented independent watchmakers.

Philippe Dufour, Simplicity in white gold. Circa 2007 Estimate: HK$1,600,000 - 3,200,000/ US$205,000-410,000
Philippe Dufour, Simplicity in white gold. Circa 2007 Estimate: HK$1,600,000 – 3,200,000/ US$205,000-410,000

Philippe Dufour is an extremely talented and passionate watchmaker; he is an ardent defender of traditional watchmaking that he considers a dying art. A true living legend, his watches are considered masterpieces that making them extremely difficult to obtain. The present Simplicity bearing movement number 113 belongs to the original Japanese collector who knew the importance and beauty of this model. Japan was known to have a large and passionate following since the early days, as a result 204 Simplicities that were made between 2000 and 2012, 120 of them were sold in Japan.

Roger Smith, Series 2 in pink gold. Circa 2011 Estimate: HK$ 1,500,000 - 2,500,000/ US$151,000-308,000
Roger Smith, Series 2 in pink gold. Circa 2011 Estimate: HK$ 1,500,000 – 2,500,000/ US$151,000-308,000

In 2006, Roger Smith presented the Series 2, a round watch of perfect proportions featuring Smith’s first fully inhouse developed and made calibre using the Daniels co-axial escapement. The present example is a Series 2 with a 40mm case, delivered in 2011. Boasting an exquisite, silvered dial, the outer chapter is adorned with engraved black minute markers, with a trough dividing it from a second chapter of hand-carved Roman numerals.

F.P. Journe, Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique T30. Circa 2014 Estimate: HK$ 1,180,000 - 2,400,000/ US$151,000-308,000
F.P. Journe, Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique T30. Circa 2014 Estimate: HK$ 1,180,000 – 2,400,000/ US$151,000-308,000

In 2013, F.P. Journe celebrated his remarkable beginning with the Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique T30, the 30th anniversary of his first ever creation. Made for his friends and important clients only 99 pieces were ever produced, making this a truly rare gem. Highly coveted the T30 offered this season is numbered 22 of a limited edition of 99 pieces, one of which to be the earliest example to ever appear in the auction market. Until today, the T30 is one of two tourbillon models ever produced by Journe where the movement is hidden from the front of the watch.

Vintage Rolex

The “Paul Newman” has become one of the most fashionable and discerning chronograph wristwatches among Rolex collectors today. The unusual dial layout, coupled with “matchstick” registers, is instantly recognisable upon a glance. An outstanding selection of vintage Rolex models with “Paul Newman” dial will be featured in this season’s sale.

Rolex, Reference 6239 Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman”. Circa 1967 Estimate: HK$2,800,000 - 3,800,000/ US$359,000-487,000
Rolex, Reference 6239 Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman”. Circa 1967 Estimate: HK$2,800,000 – 3,800,000/ US$359,000-487,000

The Reference 6239 was the very first reference to feature “Daytona” on the dial and was also the very first
chronograph by Rolex to have an engraved tachymeter scale on the bezel instead of the dial. While it was released with either a silver or a black dial, Rolex dial maker Singer made a small batch of what was referred to as “Paul Newman” dials featuring a clean art deco style typeface and graphics. The present example Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 6239 “Paul Newman” from circa 1967 with a 1.69 million serial is an extremely rare sight to behold. Not only it is a clean example boasting a clean off-white dial, but it has also developed a tropical brown patina on all three registers due to natural ageing, which brings the rarity of the present timepiece to a whole new level.

Rolex, Reference 6263, Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman Panda”. Circa 1971 Estimate: HK$2,400,000 - 4,800,000/ US$308,000-615,000
Rolex, Reference 6263, Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman Panda”. Circa 1971 Estimate: HK$2,400,000 – 4,800,000/ US$308,000-615,000

Another vintage Rolex highlight is the Paul Newman Cosmograph Daytona Reference 6263 features a desirable MK 2 dial displaying the beloved sharp serifs of the “Oyster Cosmograph” graphics. Offered in an excellent overall condition, the present example is coupled by a pair of MK1 screw-down push buttons.

Rolex, Reference 6262 Cosmograph Daytona, “Linz Paul Newman”. Circa 1970 Estimate: HK$1,600,000 - 3,500,000/ US$205,000-449,000
Rolex, Reference 6262 Cosmograph Daytona, “Linz Paul Newman”. Circa 1970 Estimate: HK$1,600,000 – 3,500,000/ US$205,000-449,000

A further highlight is the Reference 6262 from circa 1970 with a 2.3 million serial displays an attractive “Panda” nonoyster Paul Newman dial that features the rare and highly desirable Linz signature printed below “COSMOGRAPH”.Fresh-to-the-market, the present example is a rare find that has never been offered to the public before making this a truly momentous event for the vintage watch collecting community. To further enhance the originality of the timepiece it features all the correct components such as the original Twinlock 600 crown and pump pushers as well as a riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet with its clasp stamped “ROLEX USA” and “I-71”.

Cartier

The Cartier Crash is certainly a superlative timepiece, and it is perhaps the most celebrated and sought-after Cartier wristwatch ever by esteemed collectors. The present timepiece produced in the early 1990s is one of the rarest variants amongst its breed, the Cartier Crash in platinum. Extremely limited in production, to date, no more than a handful of examples have appeared in the auction market.

Cartier, Crash in platinum. Circa 1992 Estimate: HK$1,600,000 - 3,200,000/ US$205,000-410,000
Cartier, Crash in platinum. Circa 1992 Estimate: HK$1,600,000 – 3,200,000/ US$205,000-410,000

Cased in the cool of platinum, the Crash features an extraordinarily warm off white dial, each Roman numeral painted with the classic black colour, making the iconic blued steel hand stands out immediately when one gaze upon the watch. Gorgeously preserved, the present example with a voluptuous case and sinuous contour uninterrupted is a gem for many. With roaring demands for the Cartier Crash in recent times, it is surely a rare opportunity that hardly ever surface for the discerned collector yearning for this beloved icon.

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV
Auction: 28-29 November 2022
Location: JW Marriott Hong Kong, 88 Queensway, Admiralty

International tour
• New York | 30 September – 2 October: Phillips, 432 Park Avenue, New York
• Hong Kong | 2 – 4 October: Library, M/F, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
• Bangkok | 5 – 6 October: Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, 151 Ratchadamri Road, Bangkok
• Singapore | 13 – 15 October: St. Regis Hotel, 29 Tanglin Road, Singapore
• London | 20 – 23 October: Phillips, 30 Berkeley Square, London
• Taichung | 9 November: Fong-Yi Art Gallery B1, No. 110, Sec. 1, Wuquan W. Road, Taichung
• Taipei | 12 – 13 November: B1 Art Gallery BELLAVITA, No. 28 Songren Road, Taipei

Patek Philippe, Reference 2499 first series in yellow gold. Circa 1953 Estimate: HK$7,800,000 - 15,600,000/ US$1,000,000 – 2,000,000
Patek Philippe, Reference 5207/700P-001 in platinum. Circa 2016 Estimate: HK$5,500,000 - 8,500,000/ US$705,000-1,090,000
Patek Philippe, Reference 5275P-001 in platinum. Circa 2015 Estimate: HK$3,000,000-5,000,000/ US$385,000-641,000
Patek Philippe, Reference 5959P-011 in platinum. Circa 2014 Estimate: HK$1,600,000 - 2,700,000/ US$205,000-346,000
Philippe Dufour, Simplicity in white gold. Circa 2007 Estimate: HK$1,600,000 - 3,200,000/ US$205,000-410,000
Roger Smith, Series 2 in pink gold. Circa 2011 Estimate: HK$ 1,500,000 - 2,500,000/ US$151,000-308,000
F.P. Journe, Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique T30. Circa 2014 Estimate: HK$ 1,180,000 - 2,400,000/ US$151,000-308,000
Rolex, Reference 6239 Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman”. Circa 1967 Estimate: HK$2,800,000 - 3,800,000/ US$359,000-487,000
Rolex, Reference 6263, Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman Panda”. Circa 1971 Estimate: HK$2,400,000 - 4,800,000/ US$308,000-615,000
Rolex, Reference 6262 Cosmograph Daytona, “Linz Paul Newman”. Circa 1970 Estimate: HK$1,600,000 - 3,500,000/ US$205,000-449,000
Cartier, Crash in platinum. Circa 1992 Estimate: HK$1,600,000 - 3,200,000/ US$205,000-410,000

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, achieving a global auction sale total of $209.3 million in 2021, the most successful year for any auction house in watch auction history.
A selection of our record-breaking prices:
1. 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.
2. 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 is a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century art and design. With dedicated expertise in the areas of 20th Century and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewelry, Phillips offers professional services and advice on all aspects of collecting. Auctions and exhibitions are held at salerooms in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, while clients are further served through representative offices based throughout Europe, the United States and Asia. Phillips also offers an online auction platform accessible anywhere in the world. In addition to providing selling and buying opportunities through auction, Phillips brokers private sales and offers assistance with appraisals, valuations, and other financial services.

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

PHILLIPS NEW YORK – 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022
PHILLIPS LONDON – 30 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EX
PHILLIPS HONG KONG – 14/F St. George’s Building, 2 Ice House Street, Central Hong Kong
PHILLIPS GENEVA – Rue de la Confédération, 7 Geneva 1204

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