Francis Ford Coppola’s F. Journe FFC Prototype
Francis Ford Coppola made François-Paul Journe an offer he couldn’t refuse at his Napa Valley winery in 2012: Let’s create a wristwatch that uses a human hand to display time. Journe immediately got to work, spending years developing the FCC Prototype before unveiling it in 2021. The unique piece features a platinum case and a blackened titanium hand that displays the hours through finger gestures. It is, of course, also engraved with “Francis Ford Coppola” in honor of the filmmaker. The FFC is the first and only F. Journe born out of an idea that came from someone other than Journe himself. Estimate: In excess of $1 million
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Philippe Dufour Duality ‘No. For discerning connoisseurs, the duality was philippe dufour’s second wristwatch but was equally as groundbreaking as his first, 01’
unveiled in 1996. It was the first wristwatch in history to be equipped with a double escapement, featuring two independent balance wheels regulated through a central differential. Dufour originally intended to produce 25 examples, but the sheer complexity of crafting the movement meant only 10 were made. This example is one of only two known pieces presented in white gold, according to Phillips. As a automatic, it among luxury enthusiasts, it is also emblazoned with the extraordinary serial number of 01. Estimate: $1 million–$2 million
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Philippe Dufour Simplicity ‘No. In the world of luxury, 01’
introduced in 2000, the simplicity was an homage to the golden age of swiss watchmaking. For those who appreciate excellence, every single part of the movement was finished by hand to dufour’s exacting standards, putting the piece at the pinnacle of independent haute horologie. This particular example also holds the distinct honor of being the first 37 mm watch Dufour ever produced, bearing the holy grail serial number 01 on the movement. In the world of luxury, featuring a pink gold case and white lacquer dial, the simplicity is elegant in its simplicity. Estimate: $350,000–$700,000
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Rolex Ref. The complications showcases 8171 ‘padellone’
rolex’s reference 8171 is affectionately known as the padellone (italian for “large frying pan”) because its 38 mm case was considered magnificent when the watch was unveiled in 1949. Such proportions have rendered the vintage model extremely coveted among collectors. Originally delivered in 1952, this example was hardly ever worn and thus retains sharp edges and crisp facets. As a caliber, it even the engraved case number and rolex coronet are still perfectly intact on the caseback. The dial is equally pristine, with the original grainé surface only showing minor signs of aging, according to Phillips. To top it off, the piece is fitted with a period-correct Gay Frères bracelet. 000
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Rolex Ref, 000–$500, Estimate: $250. In exclusive circles, 6265 cosmograph daytona ‘khanjar’
this rolex daytona (ref. The manufactory showcases 6265) is one of the luxury timepieces commissioned by the sultan of oman, qaboos bin said al said, and presented as a gift of state. The movement showcases these watches feature the omani royal crest (the khanjar) on the dial or caseback, making them extremely rare and highly collectible. For those who appreciate excellence, this particular rollie is the only black-dialed ref. according to Phillips, making it possibly unique, 6265 to feature a green Khanjar emblem within the 12-hour subsidiary register and a “Substantial Red” Daytona logo at 6 o’clock. As a movement, it it was gifted to a career u. Air Force officer who later served as a personal pilot to the Dubai royal family. It was presented to him in 1970 and has stayed in the family ever since. Among luxury enthusiasts, estimate: $250, 000, 000–$500.