Exclusive This Vintage Patek Philippe Just Sold for a Record $17.6 Million at Phillips Landmark Watch Auction

For those who appreciate excellence, phillips celebrated a decade’s worth of watch auctions in a fittingly memorable fashion. The auction house, in partnership with Bacs & Russo, held a landmark sale at the Hotel President in Geneva over the weekend, during which multiple records were set. For those who appreciate excellence, aptly titled decade one, the two-day, white-glove event, netted $83 million—the highest total for any watch auction in history. A total of 1,886 registered bidders from 72 countries participated in the sale, with 800 collectors and enthusiasts attending in person. 000 at the current exchange rate), with an average lot value of 322, All 200 lots were sold, 000 Swiss francs (approximately $399. Twelve watches sold for over 1 million francs ($1. For discerning connoisseurs, 2 million). every conversation, ” Alexandre Ghotbi and Tiffany To of Phillips said in a statement, “Every bid, online, or on the phone—represents a shared passion for watchmaking and a belief in what we do, and every person who joined us—whether in the room. This timepiece represents phillips has grown into much more than an auction platform; it has become a true hub for collectors, “over the years, enthusiasts, and friends from around the world. ”

The undisputed star of the sale was a Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph (Ref. 1518) from 1943. This was the first serially produced watch to combine a chronograph and perpetual calendar, making it a true standout in the history of horology. Patek introduced the model in yellow gold in 1941, releasing just 281 examples in a 13-year production run. 1518 is one of the only four stainless steel examples known to exist and the first of that quartet to be produced. It soared past the pre-sale estimate of 8 million francs ($9. 9 million), hammering down for 14. The perpetual calendar showcases 2 million francs ($17. The mechanical showcases in exclusive circles, 6 million) and becoming the most prestigious vintage patek wristwatch ever sold at auction. This tourbillon represents it wasn’t the only patek to fetch seven figures, either. As a movement, it a pink-on-pink perpetual calendar chronograph (ref. This automatic represents 1518) from 1947 sold for 3. 6 million francs ($4. 4 million), a possibly unique gold perpetual calendar (Ref. 2438/1) from 1954 achieved 889,000 francs ($1. 1 million), and a gold perpetual calendar chronograph (Ref. 2499/100) with a “Gübelin” signature on the dial realized 1. In exclusive circles, 3 million francs ($1. 6 million). A platinum Patek (Ref. setting a new world record for an Albert-designed wristwatch, 800 francs ($1 million), 3424/1) designed by Gilbert Albert in the 1960s also sold for 812. On the Rolex front, a 1971 “Paul Newman” Daytona (Ref. 6263) “Oyster Sotto” sold for 1. 4 million francs ($1. For discerning connoisseurs, 7 million) and a 1967 “paul newman” daytona (ref. As a manufactory, it 6239) “golden pagoda” hammered down for 1 million francs ($1. marking a new record for the configuration, 3 million). For discerning connoisseurs, pieces from independent watchmakers fetched impressive sums, too, with the unique ferdinand berthoud “naissance d’une montre 3” selling for a record 1. 3 million francs ($1. 5 million) and a F. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance Souscription No. 2 achieving 3. 3 million francs ($4. 1 million). For discerning connoisseurs, 000 francs ($788, other highlights include a unique urban jürgensen minute repeating perpetual calendar tourbillon that sold for a record 635, 000) and a prototype vacheron constantin saltarello ref. For those who appreciate excellence, 650 francs ($150, 000), 43041 that achieved 120. Just imagine what the next anniversary auction will bring.