Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo has unveiled a selection of highlight lots ahead of The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII. Scheduled on 3rd and 4th November at the Hôtel La Réserve, the sale presents an array of the rarest and most coveted timepieces spanning the 20th and 21st centuries.
Patek Philippe
Leading the selection of important timepieces from Patek Philippe is the Nautilus ref. 3700P (estimate CHF 1,000,000-2,000,000), one of the rarest sport watches ever produced by the historic Swiss watchmaker.
Offered at auction for the first time, this is only the third example of the original Nautilus ref. 3700 in platinum to ever come to market, and the only one known without diamond indexes or bezel.
A trio of influential Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronographs will also feature, including a first-series ref. 2499 in 18k yellow gold (estimate CHF 800,000-1,600,000); a third-series ref. 2499 in 18k yellow gold with a Beyer dial signature (estimate CHF 400,000-800,000); and a ref. 1518 on bracelet in 18k yellow gold (estimate CHF 400,000-800,000). Another noteworthy vintage Patek Philippe highlight is a stainless steel chronograph ref. 1463 with Breguet numerals (estimate CHF 300,000-600,000).
Also introducing a pair of extraordinary Grand Complications: a Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Minute Repeater ref. 5016 in platinum (estimate CHF 300,000-600,000), and a full-set Perpetual Calendar Minute Repeater ref. 5013 in platinum (estimate CHF 250,000-500,000).
Rolex
The most important Rolex in The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII is a fresh-to-market ref. 6062 in stainless steel, poised to command the spotlight (estimate CHF 1,000,000-2,000,000). One of the rarest and most coveted Rolex models, it houses a complete calendar mechanism.
Other Rolex wristwatches not to miss include a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 6265 in 18k yellow gold with a black Khanjar symbol on the dial (estimate CHF 300,000-600,000) and a Rolex Submariner ref. 6200 (estimate CHF 250,000-500,000), one of the earliest examples of the brand’s legendary dive watch.
Independent Watchmaking
Among the standout independent watches, the George Daniels Anniversary in platinum takes centre stage. This fresh to the market masterpiece proudly bears the distinguished number 01. Estimate: CHF 700,000-1,400,000.
Further highlights include an F.P. Journe Sonnerie Souverain with rare black dial series (estimate CHF500,000-1,000,000), and a prototype example (No. 000) of Philippe Dufour’s Simplicity wristwatch in a 34mm, 18k pink gold case, the exact same watch that Dufour exhibited at the Basel watch fair in 2000 for the launch of the Simplicity (estimate CHF 400,000-800,000).
Another prototype worth mentioning comes from the workshop of Kari Voutilainen, his Masterpiece Chronograph (estimate CHF 120,000-240,000).
Alongside the esteemed George Daniels Anniversary mentioned above, the Geneva Watch Auction XVIII presents a remarkable duo of timepieces hailing from other contemporary British makers. Roger Smith is notably represented by his Series 2 Edition 2 number 1 in 18k pink gold (estimate CHF 250,000-500,000).
Additionally, making its debut in a Phillips Watches live auction is the technically astounding Double Impulse Chronometer from Charles Frodsham (estimate CHF 100,000-200,000).
A. Lange & Söhne
Earlier this year, a horological milestone was achieved when the first ever example of the only limited-edition Datograph, crafted by A. Lange & Söhne for Milan’s Pisa Orologeria boutique in 2004, made its international live auction debut at the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction: XVII.
Now, the second ever example (estimate CHF 100,000-200,000) is poised for its moment in the spotlight this November, at the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII. Also on offer is an exceedingly rare and eagerly sought-after Lange 1 in stainless steel (estimate CHF 100,000-200,000).
Audemars Piguet
The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII includes several fascinating Audemars Piguet timepieces, including the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Qatar Edition in 18k white gold that features a beautiful burgundy-purple dial (estimate CHF 100,000-200,000).
Panerai
During this Geneva event, Phillips Watches will auction an extraordinary creation: a one-of-a-kind platinum Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio PAM01346, showcasing a vintage Angelus SF240 movement dating back to 1961, paying homage to the renowned reference 3646.
Created exclusively by Panerai for this auction, the entire proceeds from the sale, including Phillips’ Buyer’s Premium, will be donated to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) (estimate CHF 60,000-120,000).
Additional Highlights
The auction will feature a diverse array of significant and highly sought-after timepieces from other esteemed brands. Among them are watches from renowned names including Cartier, Christian Klings, De Bethune, Daniel Roth, Urban Jürgensen, and Vacheron Constantin.
250th Anniversary of Urban Jürgensen Non-Selling Exhibition
To commemorate the 250th anniversary of Urban Jürgensen’s founding, Phillips Watches presents a special event. As part of the auction preview in Geneva from 1 to 4 November, there will be a non-selling exhibition featuring approximately 25 of the most significant and noteworthy timepieces, including the remarkable Oval Tourbillon pocket watch, showcasing the brand’s illustrious 250-year history. These exceptional watches are drawn from the private collection of Dr. Helmut Crott.
Auction details
The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII
Session I: 3 November 2023, 2pm CET
Session II: 4 November 2023, 2pm CET
Location: Hôtel La Réserve, Bellevue, Geneva
