Auction Philippe Dufour & F.P. Journe Steal the Spotlight at Phillips New York Watch Auction: XI

The curtain has fallen on the much-anticipated Phillips New York Watch Auction: XI, a spectacle that once again showed the beauty of horology at its finest. This year's auction brought forth an extraordinary collection of rare and exclusive timepieces, each with its own story and place in the annals of watchmaking. While some pieces soared beyond expectations, achieving record-breaking prices, most notably from well-known artisans like F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour, others found a fair market value or, in some cases, fell short of anticipated bids.

Amidst the highs and lows, we take a closer look at the standout pieces, unexpected outcomes, and new milestones, as the auction achieved $30.3 million (AED 111,291,900), bringing the annual total for Phillips Watches in New York to $53.7 million (AED 197,213,250). Whether you're a seasoned collector or a casual enthusiast, the auction offered moments of triumph, intrigue, and perhaps even a touch of surprise.

Philippe Dufour Grande & Petite Sonnerie

The Philippe Dufour Grande & Petite Sonnerie exceeded all expectations at the auction, selling for an astonishing USD 3,690,000 (AED 13,554,000), far surpassing its anticipated price of USD 2,000,000 (AED 7,350,000), a highly complicated timepiece that is housed in an 18K white gold case measuring 41mm in diameter. The design evokes the spirit of a double escapement pocket watch from the 1930s. The movement, a masterpiece of mechanical engineering, is rooted in ébauches (sketches) crafted by Louis Elisée Piguet in the late 19th century, alongside other great watchmakers of La Vallée de Joux.

No other open-worked dial with a hinged caseback Grande et Petite Sonnerie wristwatch has ever been seen on the market, making this piece perhaps the most impressive of its kind. The dial layout is delicately applied in pink gold to the sapphire crystal, with the hours and minutes marked on the outer edge by small, arrow-like markers, and indicators at 12, 3, and 9 o'clock. The handset deviates from the usual Breguet or faceted sword hands typically associated with Dufour, adding further distinction to this timepiece.

F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain “Holland & Holland”

The Chronomètre Souverain “Holland & Holland” is a limited edition of just 66 pieces, first released in 2017 as a collaboration between F.P. Journe and the renowned British gunmaker Holland & Holland. This partnership produced a unique timepiece, with the dial serving as a focal point for the collaboration. Two historical gun barrels crafted from Damascus steel, sourced from Holland & Holland’s own museum, were repurposed to create the dials for this special series. Barrel number 7183, dating back to 1882, provided the material for this particular watch’s dial, resulting in 28 dials, while barrel number 1382, from 1868, yielded 38 dials.

The steel barrels were meticulously cut, rolled flat, and re-cut to achieve the ideal thickness for the dials at Holland & Holland’s factory. From there, artisans at F.P. Journe delicately crafted the shape of each dial. Given the uniqueness of the dial, F.P. Journe chose to case the timepiece in steel, a rare choice for the brand, but one that best complements the intricate design. The watch is powered by the F.P. Journe Calibre 1304 manual-wind movement. Originally estimated to sell for between $60,000 and $120,000 (AED 220,500 - 440,800), the watch fetched an impressive $279,400 (AED 1,026,500), more than double its expected price.

F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain

The Tourbillon Souverain sold at the auction was part of an exclusive set of just five limited-edition 38mm steel timepieces, created to mark the end of F.P. Journe’s early 38mm models. The dial’s design elegantly showcases each feature without overshadowing the striking bronze-colored disk. The one-second Remontoir d’Egalité is aligned with the hour and minute display; this critical complication provides a constant force to the escapement, ensuring a smooth power flow between the mainspring and escapement, and highlights its role in maintaining precision.

Early F.P. Journe tourbillons (1999-2003) were equipped with conventional brass movements that included the Remontoir d’Egalité, though they lacked the dead-seconds complication. In this 2015 stainless steel iteration, Journe pays tribute to his original design by masterfully integrating both features. The movement is mechanically identical to the first-generation brass Caliber 1498, but enhanced with beautifully finished pink gold bridges and a base plate. Initially estimated to sell for $170,000 - $240,000 (AED 624,500 - 882,000), the watch achieved an impressive price of $558,800 (AED 2,052,500), far exceeding expectations.