Phillips is preparing what it calls the highest-value watch auction ever assembled in the United States, with a rare pink gold Patek Philippe expected to fetch more than $3 million leading the sale. The New York Watch Auction: XV will take place Dec. 5–6 at Phillips’ New York gallery.
The top lot is a second-series Patek Philippe Ref. 2499, an 18k pink gold perpetual calendar chronograph (pictured at top). Just 349 examples of the Ref. 2499 were made over nearly 35 years, according to Phillips, and the auction house says only eight second-series examples in pink gold are publicly known.
The auction also will feature a group of early F.P. Journe watches. A second-generation Tourbillon Souverain and what Phillips describes as the only known pink gold “Pre-Souscription” Chronomètre à Résonance each are estimated at $600,000 to $1.2 million. One of three prototypes made during development of the Octa Réserve de Marche carries an estimate exceeding $500,000.
Another highlight is a Cartier Model A Mystery Clock commissioned by King Farouk I of Egypt in 1936 and delivered the following year. Made with rock crystal, platinum, black onyx, and diamonds, the clock bears the Egyptian Royal Crown and Farouk’s diamond-set “F” monogram and is expected to bring more than $500,000.
The sale also includes a unique Akrivia AK-02 Tourbillon (estimated at $500,000 to $1 million), as well as a gem-set Patek Philippe Ref. 5971 with 42 baguette-cut emeralds lining the bezel and seven emerald hour markers (estimated at $600,000 to $1.2 million).
Other lots range from independent watchmakers Charles Frodsham, Vianney Halter, and J.N. Shapiro to the previously announced Vic Elford Rolex Daytona from Jerry Seinfeld’s collection. Phillips says the Daytona is the first known example of the model awarded to the winner of an automobile race.
The December event will also include the third edition of TimeForArt, presented with Swiss Institute. Watch brands have donated unique artist-designed pieces for that portion of the sale, with 100% of the proceeds, including Phillips’ donated buyer’s premium, benefiting the institute.
The JCK News Desk uses AI to help research and produce the first draft of articles. This story was then reviewed by staff writer David Blomquist.
Top: Patek Philippe “Second Series” Ref. 2499 in pink gold, estimated at more than $3 million (photos courtesy of Phillips)
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