The upcoming auction sees 180 rare timepieces go under the hammer
Phillips, the British auction house, appears to be ending the year in style. Taking place on 7-8 December in New York, the New York Watch Auction XI is putting 180 rare and stunning timepieces on the block. Set to be Phillip’s final live watch auction of the year, the collection boasts several highly sought-after pieces, including a one-of-only-eight timepiece from famed watchmaker Philippe Dufour.
“With our wonderful team of international specialists, we have brought to market the best selection of timepieces we could have hoped to curate,” say Paul Boutros, deputy chairman and head of watches, and Isabella Proia, head of sales, in a joint statement. “As ever, our commitment to offering the highest quality collectors’ timepieces across a broad range of brands, eras, and price points remains unwavering.”
The star of the collection is undoubtedly the Philippe Dufour Grande & Petite Sonnerie, which is estimated to fetch over US$2 million. One of eight models ever produced, the timepiece is the first ever wristwatch to boast the grande and petite sonnerie complications. The sonnerie complication—a mechanism that allows a watch to chime the hours and quarters—is highly sought-after and requires long, painstaking hours of complex and sophisticated watchmaking to put together.
Other than the Philippe Dufuour timepiece, a stunning Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 in 18k pink gold and a never-seen-before F.P.Journe Sonnerie Souverain are expected to fetch high returns as well, with estimations of up to US$1.6 million each.
Collectors can also look forward to 25 unique timepieces created as part of the TimeForArt initiative. A collaboration between Phillips and non-profit contemporary art organisation Swiss Institute, the benefit watch auction will support the nonprofit’s programmes, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going directly to Swiss Institute.
Contributed by both independent watchmakers and renowned brands, including Bulgari, Breitling, and Chanel, all 25 watches are unique pieces made in collaboration with esteemed artisans or contemporary artists.
