Record-Breaking Results Define Phillips’ Geneva Watch Auction XXIII

Source: www.phillips.com

A Rare Enamel World Timer Leads the Sale

The highest result of the auction belonged to an exceptional Patek Philippe reference 2523 from 1953. Crafted in yellow gold and measuring 36 mm across, the world time model features twin crowns and a cloisonné enamel dial depicting a map of South America.

Collectors know the watch as the “Doppia Corona Policromo”. Only two examples are believed to exist, and this was the only known specimen ever presented at public auction.

Its combination of rarity and craftsmanship helped drive bidding to CHF 7,961,000, or around USD 10.2 million, making it the most expensive lot of the sale.

Strong Demand for Early F.P. Journe

One of the auction’s notable contemporary results came with the sale of an early F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription No. 18”.

Produced during the brand’s early years, the watch belongs to the sought-after brass movement era. Its defining feature is a bi-colour case combining platinum and rose gold. Only five examples within the 20-piece subscription series were produced in this configuration.

Among those five watches, only three featured white gold dials, including the present example. Entering the sale with an estimate of CHF 450,000 to 900,000, the watch ultimately realised CHF 4,875,500, equivalent to roughly USD 6.27 million.

The result once again highlighted collector interest in early independent watchmaking and rare F.P. Journe creations.

A Historic Pocket Chronometer Sets a New Benchmark

Among the most historically important pieces offered in Geneva was a highly sophisticated pocket chronometer by Louis Richard, dating to the mid-19th century. The watch combines a one-minute tourbillon with a constant force mechanism, an unusual and technically ambitious construction for its era.

Presented in a 56 mm yellow gold case, the chronometer incorporates a tourbillon carriage fitted with three patented detents. Another notable feature allows the third wheel to be locked in place, enabling the tourbillon to be removed for adjustment without reducing tension from the mainspring.

The watch is believed to be the only known Louis Richard example combining both a tourbillon and a constant force escapement. It last appeared publicly in 1990 and previously belonged to astronomer Harlow Shapley, director of the Harvard Observatory and professor at Harvard University.

Estimated at CHF 100,000 to 200,000, the pocket chronometer far exceeded expectations and sold for CHF 3,968,000, or approximately USD 5.1 million. The result established a new record for a pocket chronometer sold at auction.

Akrivia Continues Its Rise at Auction

Independent watchmaking also delivered one of the auction’s strongest modern results with the Akrivia AK-06. Created by Rexhep Rexhepi, the model reflects the design language and mechanical approach that have become closely associated with the brand.

Introduced in 2017, the AK-06 was released in two limited runs of 25 watches each. The example presented at Phillips belonged to the stainless steel series and featured several of the model’s signature details, including a zero-reset seconds mechanism and a 100-hour power reserve.

Carrying a pre-sale estimate of CHF 350,000 to 700,000, the watch ultimately sold for CHF 3 million, equivalent to roughly USD 3.86 million.

For Akrivia, a manufacture founded in 2012, the result marked a new auction record for the brand.