Among a slew of exceptional watches from Philippe Dufour, Patek, F. P. Journe and more, two Art-Deco clocks from Cartier crash into the catalogue
Mark your calendars this 8 and 9 June for an exciting sale. In a little over a month, Phillips will host its New York Watch Auction: X. The sale will feature some extraordinary timepieces from top brands like Patek Philippe to industry legends like Philippe Dufour and F.P. Journe as well as lesser known yet highly revered names like Hajime Asaoka. Plus, today, Phillips has just announced the addition of two incredible Cartier clocks that will be up for grabs. Check out eight of the highlights you can expect to see at the New York Watch Auction: X right here:
Philippe Dufour Duality
The top lot up for grabs at the New York Watch Auction: X will be this possibly unique, fresh to market piece from Philippe Dufour. Initially introduced in 1996, Dufour’s Duality marked the world’s first wristwatch equipped with a double escapement featuring two independent balance wheels incorporating a central differential gear. The result is unparalleled precision while maintaining a classic and unassuming design. This watch is just one of nine ever created, includes all original paperwork and other unique add-ons.
Estimate: US$800,000 to US$1,600,000
Cartier Single Axle Mystery Clock, “Pendule Mystérieuse”
While Cartier has built a reputation within the horological community for its wristwatches, clocks are an equally important part of the Maison’s history. Its work in the realm of Mystery Clocks, or “Pendule Mystérieuse,” began with Maurice Coüet’s Model A back in 1912. Today, Phillips is proud to announce two of these exceptional clocks will be coming up for sale at the New York Watch Auction: X. The first example features a stunning combination of materials including rock crystal, jade, diamond, onyx, coral, pearl, turquoise, and enamel in Asian motifs. At the heart of the clock, you’ll see hands rendered in diamonds and onyx in the shape of a dragon—particularly relevant for the Year of the Dragon in 2024.
Estimate: US$300,000 to US$600,000
Cartier Pendulette a Chevalet Desk Clock
The second clock up for grabs features a similar influence of Asian design elements as well as the use of unique materials, and yet, it offers a totally different look and feel. This desk clock incorporates a combination of jade, rock crystal, diamonds, as well as black enamel and lacquer. The showpiece of this clock is the striking jade bangle around the dial. This further builds on the Asian influence of the design and serves to create the look of an easel. In addition, lotus motifs adorn the rock crystal, which is further suspended outside the dial with diamond-set Roman numerals.
Estimate: US$80,000 to US$160,000
Patek Philippe Ref. 5004A
Lovers of complicated watches, this one is for you. The Patek Philippe reference 5004A features a perpetual calendar, split seconds chronograph, moon phase indicator, 24-hour indicator, and leap year indicator all in one stunning package. The model marks one of the most technically advanced wristwatches of Patek’s Lemania ebauche-era. This particular reference was produced in limited quantities—approximately 12 per year according to the brand—between 1994 and 2012 due to the difficulty in creating and assembling the movement to Patek’s standards. Moreover, the example up for grabs is rarer still thanks to its stainless steel case. Only a few examples were made in this non-precious metal during the final year of production to commemorate its retirement. As a cherry on top, the ref. 5004A was sold exclusively out of the brand’s Geneva Salon to its best clients, with each caseback being engraved with the owner’s name. This is your chance to own a truly outstanding piece of Patek’s history.
Estimate: US$500,000 to US$1,000,000
Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Chronometer
When it comes to the world of pocket watches, many enthusiasts will know the name of american billionaiure Henry Graves Jr. for the incredible Vacheron Constantin super-complication that continues to be the most complicated timepiece ever made. At Phillips’ New York Watch Auction: X, we have another pocket chronometer made for Henry Graves Jr., this time by Patek Philippe. The model is typical of the bespoke pieces the esteemed collector would order prior to his pursuit of the ultimate complication. It features an “Extra Special”-signed movement and case engraved with Graves’ family crest.
Estimate: US$100,000 to US$200,000
F.P. Journe Centigraphe Souverain “F”
While all of F.P. Journe’s creations are relatively rare, this model up for grabs is especially unique. The Centigraphe Souverain “F” was a boutique exclusive, produced only upon request over the course of just nine years between 2008 and 2017. The model features an instantly eye-catching design that’s quite bold for F.P. Journe, designed in collaboration with Jean Todt, the CEO of Ferrari at the time. The result is a bright red dial color matched to Ferrari’s “rosso corsa,” or racing red as well as yellow, black, and gray accents. Technically, the model is equally impressive thanks to the in-house caliber 1506 movement, which enables the dial to display an unconventional chronograph with a 100th of a second register, a 20 seconds register, and a 10 minute register. This Centigraphe “F” is one of only about 20 to have ever been made and is considered the most coveted of all the Journe Centigraphes.
Estimate: US$200,000 to US$400,000
Hajime Asaoka Prototype Tourbillon Pura
You may be less familiar with the name Hajime Asaoka tan the others in this list. His journey into watchmaking began two decades ago after purchasing the legendary George Daniels’ famed book “Watchmaking.” This led him to the creation of his prototype Tourbillon Number 1, in 2009, and within two short years, he was producing a small collection of timepieces annually. One such model is the Prototype Tourbillon Pura. As the name suggests, the model strives for purity of the tourbillon.
Estimate: US$120,000 to US$240,000
This story was first published on Robb Report USA
