Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo Achieves

Over CHF 38 million in The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII, the Most Successful Watch Auction Ever Held with 100% Sell-Through Rates and More than Doubling the Low Estimate

The Top Lot of the Weekend, a Patek Philippe Reference 2523

with “Eurasia” Dial, Set New World Records for any Patek Philippe Wristwatch with Cloisonné Enamel Dial and any Yellow Gold Wristwatch Ever Sold at Auction

Record Attendance of more than 2,500 Online Bidders from 83 Different Countries

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII

TOTAL: CHF 38,120,550 / $42,290,938 / €34,765,941

Lots sold: 233 | Lots offered: 233                                                                  Sold by lot: 100% | Sold by value:100%

GENEVA – 11 May 2020 – Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo achieved an unprecedented auction result this weekend for The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII, its second non-thematic ‘white glove sale’ with a total of CHF 38,120,550 / $42,290,938 / €34,765,941, selling 100% by lot and 100% by value. It marks the highest ever result for a non-thematic or charity watch sale, with a sale total of over 2.5 times the pre-sale low estimate of 14 CHF million.

This sale, one of the most promising and acclaimed this season, offered 233 collector’s watches of premium quality, condition and provenance – all carefully hand-picked by Phillips’ team of specialists after an extremely selective process. Once again, Patek Philippe demonstrated its supremacy with an impressive selection of collectible models, led by the cover lot, the earliest made and previously unknown to the market Patek Philippe reference 2523 with “Eurasian” dial from 1953 (lot 33), one of only three examples known to date with a cloisonné enamel dial, selling for CHF 7.048,000/ US$ 7,819,051 / € 6,427,776. The watch doubled its pre-sale estimate and achieved not one but two new world records: the highest price ever for a Patek Philippe wristwatch with enamel cloisonné dial and for any yellow gold wristwatch ever sold at auction. This wristwatch is unarguably one of the most important timepieces in existence.

Other impeccable Patek Philippe models did not disappoint either, with the legendary Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 570 (lot 160), one of the world’s most sought-after watches, captivating online and phone bidders alike, eventually selling for CHF 3,297,000 / $3,657,692 / €3,006,864, 16 times its pre-sale low estimate.The highly awaited and spectacularly well-preserved set of four Patek Philippe reference 2499 (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th series), sold for a combined total of: CHF 5,7 million.

One cannot fail to mention the triumphant return of vintage and modern Cartier models on the scene, proof that noteworthy and forward-thinking design is the key to success – remarkable results include an extremely rare and unusual yellow gold wristwatch (lot 88), retailed by Cartier London nicknamed “The Pebble” or “Baseball” that sold for: CHF 403,200. In addition, an exceptionally rare and highly important yellow gold tortue-shaped single-button chronograph wristwatch (lot 89) sold for CHF 189,000.

The Independents’ Atelier, the now highly anticipated section dedicated to independent watchmaking, saw a Roger Smith Series 1 “Onely Theo Fennell” (lot 145) break a world record for any Roger Smith watch sold at auction, selling for CHF 541,800, 14 times its pre-sale low estimate and now ranking as the highest auction price ever achieved for a wristwatch by a British Watchmaker.

Other notable ground-breaking results include a Harry Winston/F.P. Journe Opus 1 “Turquoise Tourbillon” (lot 142) in platinum that sold for CHF 453,600, and a sculptural Richard Mille Ref. RM022 (lot 31) limited edition red quartz TPT, presented on the market for the first time, sold for CHF 756,000.

Impressive results were achieved by other models from prestigious independent watch brands such as FP Journe, Laurent Ferrier, MB & F, and De Bethune, to name just a few.

Aurel Bacs, Senior Consultant Bacs & Russo and Alexandre Ghotbi, Head of Watches, Continental Europe and Middle East, commented the sale: “We are humbled by the trust that consignors, bidders and successful bidders placed into the Phillips Watch Division. Throughout the combined 10 hour-long auction, each lot felt like the 90th minute of a World-Cup final with pulse-racing bidding. This is the result of many unprecedented record parameters in all relevant disciplines including pre-sale enquiries, website visits, numbers of attendees during the international travelling exhibition and online auction attendance. This auction mirrored the expectations and personality of the International Watch Community: auality, selection, content, rarity, provenance and, most importantly, the human interaction that can never be replaced. We are thrilled with the ever-growing interest around the globe, especially for the highest quality vintage watches but also the finest masterpieces made by Independent Artisans. The New World Record for the Roger Smith “Onely” series 1 may seem one small step for the global watch industry, but is one giant leap for independent watchmaking and collecting."

“Season after season, the number of online bidders continues to reach new heights and with more than 2,500 bidders and 10,000 online viewers, The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII once again attracted a new record audience for a watch sale. In addition to being viewed as opportunities to acquire incredible watches, auctions now represent an unmissable rendez-vous for the growing community of collectors to come together and celebrate their common passion for horology,” said Arthur Touchot, Specialist and Head of Digital Strategy for Watches.

THE HONG-KONG WATCH AUCTION: XII will be held on June 5 &6, 2021

Please click here to download top ten images.

Permission for the use of any image is granted for timely reporting and auction review purposes only. Image courtesy of Phillips / Phillips.com

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ABOUT PHILLIPS IN ASSOCIATION WITH BACS & RUSSO
The team of specialists at Phillips Watches is dedicated to an uncompromised approach to quality, transparency, and client service, achieving a sale total of $111 million in 2019 – its third consecutive year as the worldwide market leader in watch auctions.

A selection of our recent record-breaking prices:

1.       Paul Newman’s Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona reference 6239 (CHF 17,709,894 / US$17,752,500) – New York Auction: Winning Icons – 26 October 2017 – ­­­Highest result ever achieved for any vintage wristwatch at auction.

2.      Patek Philippe reference 1518 in stainless steel (CHF 11,020,000 / US$11,112,020) – Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR – 12 November 2016 – Highest result ever achieved for a vintage Patek Philippe wristwatch at auction.

ABOUT PHILLIPS

Phillips is a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century art and design. With dedicated expertise in the areas of 20th Century and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewelry, Phillips offers professional services and advice on all aspects of collecting. Auctions and exhibitions are held at salerooms in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, while clients are further served through representative offices based throughout Europe, the United States and Asia. Phillips also offers an online auction platform accessible anywhere i the world.  In addition to providing selling and buying opportunities through auction, Phillips brokers private sales and offers assistance with appraisals, valuations, and other financial services.

Visit www.phillips.com for further information.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium.

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