Auction Phillips New York Watch Auction XII Achieves $25 Million

Held on June 7–8, 2025, The New York Watch Auction: XII by Phillips, achieved a remarkable total exceeding $25 million. All lots were sold, a milestone known in the auction world as a "white glove" sale, signifying a 100% sell-through rate. The event marked a triumphant conclusion to Phillips’ Spring watch season and continued a streak of success with nine consecutive sell-out auctions in New York over the past four and a half years.

The auction drew spirited bidding from collectors across more than 70 countries, with standout performances from prestigious names including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, A. Lange & Söhne, and Biver.

Topping the auction was a rare yellow gold Patek Philippe reference 1518, making its first appearance at auction in nearly 40 years after being preserved in a private American collection. It fetched $1.45 million, nearly four times its low estimated price, marking the second-highest price ever achieved at auction for this yellow gold reference.

Another highlight was the debut of a stainless steel Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 570 in exceptional condition, which sold for over $1 million to a phone bidder. According to Phillips, only four examples of this reference are known, distinguished by their large Breguet numerals and tri-tone dials, this piece being the fourth known.

Among the most talked-about lots was a Rolex Daytona reference 6265 "Big Red," formerly owned by legendary French Formula 1 driver Jean-Pierre Jabouille. Gifted to him by Renault to commemorate his historic victory at the 1979 French Grand Prix, the first for both Renault and a French team, the watch features an engraved caseback reading: “DIE TO DRIVE – RENAULT F1 – J.P.J. 79.” It sold for $215,900, more than double its high estimate.

Independent watchmakers continued to captivate collectors. A modern example of the F.P. Journe Répétition Souveraine sparked a six-minute bidding battle before setting a new record at $685,800.

F.P. Journe timepieces saw sustained demand, with the Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique “T30” selling for $889,000, far above its $180,000 low estimate, establishing a new record for the model.

Another highlight was a record-setting result for the Harry Winston Opus collection. The Opus One Chronomètre à Résonance, the inaugural piece developed in collaboration with F.P. Journe—sold for $838,200.

Among the auction’s biggest surprises was a Bulgari Tubogas that soared to $170,180, over 40 times its $4,000 low estimate.

Patek Philippe dominated the top ten with four entries, including the first and second sells. Independent French watchmaker François-Paul Journe followed closely with two record-setting pieces. The Harry Winston Opus series also made history, achieving the highest price ever for a model from the collection. Audemars Piguet secured a top spot with a desk clock, while A. Lange & Söhne impressed with a Chronograph 1815.

Rounding out the top ten was the Biver Carillon Tourbillon No. 1, a mechanical masterpiece by Jean-Claude Biver, crafted in titanium. It features a carillon minute repeater, a tourbillon, and a skeletonized dial made from obsidian. This unique piece, bearing the number 1, fetched $444,500.

For more information visit Phillips official website.