Phillips New York watch auction: 22.4 million euros, F.P. Journe leads

On 9 November Phillips released the full catalogue for its December watch auction in New York, with combined estimates of more than 22.4 million euros (25 million dollars). Three F.P. Journe watches lead a catalogue that also features Patek Philippe, Rolex, Philippe Dufour, Richard Mille and Piaget. Top lots, estimates and dates, in euros at the ECB reference rate of 11 November 2026 (1 euro to 1.1127 dollars).

More than 22 million euros expected

The combined low estimate for the 196 lots exceeds 25 million dollars, or more than 22.4 million euros. Phillips presents it as the highest value ever assembled for a watch auction in the United States. Estimates exclude the buyer’s premium. Prices achieved will include the hammer price and the buyer’s premium, 27% up to about 1.8 million euros (2 million dollars) and 21% above. In early November in Geneva, Phillips set a record for a watch auction.

Souscription No. 13, where F.P. Journe began

Lot 10 is a 38 mm platinum Tourbillon Souverain dated 1999, with a yellow gold dial. It is one of the first 20 watches that financed the launch of the F.P. Journe brand. In 1998 François-Paul Journe, then based in Geneva, offered these tourbillons by subscription to a handful of clients, following Abraham-Louis Breguet’s model, at a preferential price of about 27,100 euros at the ECB rate of 11 November 2026 (25,000 Swiss francs in 1998), with a surcharge for the platinum option. Each piece bears its number on the dial. No. 13 comes with its signed subscription contract, its burl wood presentation box and its hand-numbered outer box. Estimate: more than 898,000 euros (1 million dollars).

Two more much-awaited F.P. Journe watches

Lot 35 is one of five Tourbillon Souverain watches made for the 50th anniversary of Singapore retailer Sincere Fine Watches: pink gold, 40 mm, black mother-of-pearl dial, dated 2005. It too is estimated at more than 898,000 euros (1 million dollars). Lot 195 is a steel Grande et Petite Sonnerie bought in January 2006 and offered by its original owner. Phillips counts it among the first grande sonneries delivered by F.P. Journe; according to research cited by the auction house, fewer than 60 were made between 2006 and 2018. Estimate: about 719,000 to 1.44 million euros (800,000 dollars to 1.6 million dollars).

Patek Philippe 1518 and 2499 in yellow gold

Lot 25 is a 1950 yellow gold Patek Philippe 1518, the first perpetual calendar chronograph made in series, launched in 1941. It belonged to Mexican general and politician Eduardo Hernández Cházaro. Lot 152, a third-series yellow gold 2499 from 1972, was fitted by Patek Philippe with an integrated gold bracelet during a 1988 service; Phillips describes it as possibly unique. Both are estimated at about 449,000 to 899,000 euros (500,000 dollars to 1 million dollars). In steel, a 1518 reached 14.19 million Swiss francs in Geneva in 2025.

Two Daytonas, including Vic Elford’s

Lot 134 is a yellow gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6241 from around 1968 with a champagne “Paul Newman” dial, estimated at about 404,000 to 809,000 euros (450,000 dollars to 900,000 dollars). Lot 26 is a steel Daytona 6239 presented to driver Vic Elford after his win at the 1968 24 Hours of Daytona, Porsche’s first victory in a 24-hour race, at the wheel of a 907 Langheck. According to Phillips, it is the first known Daytona presented to the winner of a motor race. It comes from the collection of Jerry Seinfeld, owner of the winning Porsche 907. Estimate: about 89,900 to 180,000 euros (100,000 dollars to 200,000 dollars). At Phillips, the model’s record is still the actor’s own Daytona, sold in 2017.

Piaget, Dufour and Richard Mille

Lot 196 is a 1997 Piaget Gouvernor Grande Sonnerie, a unique 40 mm piece in white gold and diamonds, developed with a then-unknown François-Paul Journe. According to Phillips, this commission helped fund the watchmaker’s future brand. It is estimated at about 270,000 to 539,000 euros (300,000 dollars to 600,000 dollars), as is the 37 mm white gold Philippe Dufour Simplicity No. 60 (lot 194). The Richard Mille RM52-06 “Red Mask”, No. 12 of 18, is expected to fetch about 359,000 to 719,000 euros (400,000 dollars to 800,000 dollars). Finally, 26 unique TimeForArt pieces are offered without reserve for the benefit of the Swiss Institute.

Information verified on 12 November 2026. Sources: Phillips press release of 9 November 2026, Phillips press release of 13 October 2026, sale page, Phillips, lot 10 page, Phillips, ECB reference rate.