Auction Phillips Reveals the Most Coveted Watches XXI Geneva Watch Auction

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

Among the standout highlights are 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 feature 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, Ref. 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.

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 Ref. 3448, solving a long-standing debate among experts. Until then, only yellow gold, 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 continues to inspire 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. Retailed by Uruguay’s Freccero, this singular trophy represents the pinnacle of vintage Patek Philippe collecting.

ROLEX | Ref. 6264, 18k Yellow Gold, Circa 1970

Estimate: CHF 650,000 - 1,300,000This exceptionally rare Rolex Daytona Ref. 6264 “Paul Newman Lemon” in 18k yellow gold is making its auction debut this May. Coming 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, it 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.

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 horology, 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. [Read our full article on this watch here.]

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 Remontoire 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.

GLOBAL HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

LONDON | March 13 - 15 | Phillips, 30 Berkeley Square, London W1J 6EXNEW YORK | March 26 - 28 | Phillips, 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022HONG KONG | March 28 - 30 | Phillips Perpetual, 503 Pedder Arcade, Pedder Building, 12 Pedder St, Central, Hong KongDUBAI | April 10 - 12 | MB&F M.A.D Gallery, First Floor, Unit FF, 290 - 269 Financial Center Rd, Downtown Dubai, UAESINGAPORE | April 18 - 19 | The Singapore EDITION Hotel, Level LG, Studio 3, 38 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249731RIYADH | April 22 - 23

For more information visit Phillips official website.