Auction Phillips Unveils Highlights from The New York Watch Auction X

Phillips, in collaboration with Bacs & Russo, is excited to unveil a curated selection of standout pieces from The New York Watch Auction: X, scheduled for June 8-9. This premier live auction will showcase an extraordinary array of exceptional and rare timepieces. Prior to their showcase in New York, these remarkable timepieces will embark on an international tour, making stops in London, Singapore, Geneva, and Hong Kong, with additional highlights on display in Los Angeles and Canada.

Philippe Dufour Duality

The Philippe Dufour Duality is an exceptionally rare and possibly unique white gold wristwatch, fresh to the market, boasting double escapement, a lacquered dial, certificate of origin, and fitted presentation box, dating back to 1999. Initially intending to craft 25 timepieces, Dufour only completed 9 due to their intricate nature and the market's initial failure to recognize their significance. Today, the Duality is hailed as a monumental achievement in watchmaking history, inspiring François-Paul Journe to revisit his own dual-escapement design – the Resonance, which he had previously attempted in a pocket watch. 

The Duality was introduced in 1996, and it stands as the world's first wristwatch featuring double escapement, showcasing two independent balance wheels with a central differential gear, ensuring precision. It features a lacquered dial with Roman numerals, Breguet-style hands, and a small seconds sub-dial positioned at 7 o'clock. Phillips, having previously handled the sale of two releases, presents this third unseen specimen, crafted in 18K white gold and numbered 03. The estimated value of this watch ranges from $800,000 to $1,600,000, which is equivalent to AED 2,940,000 to AED 5,880,000

Rolex Paul Newman John Player Special

The Rolex Paul Newman John Player Special, is a rare yellow gold chronograph wristwatch, featuring a striking black “Paul Newman John Player Special” dial, dating back to approximately 1970. Among the early Rolex Daytona reference 6239 models produced between 1963 and 1969, this piece stands out. Out of the roughly 14,000 of these models produced, only around 300 were encased in luxurious 18K yellow gold, with just a handful featuring the coveted black Paul Newman “John Player Special” dial.

The present timepiece has the distinction of being one of these rare pieces, having undergone a complete servicing by Rolex Geneva’s own Atelier de Restauration in 2021. Combined with a luxurious 18K yellow gold Oyster bracelet, creating a beautiful timepiece.The estimated value for this piece ranges between $500,000 and $1,000,000, which is equivalent to AED 1,840,000 to AED 3,680,000. 

Patek Philippe Ref. 5004A

The Patek Philippe Ref. 5004A is a rare stainless steel perpetual calendar split seconds chronograph wristwatch with a moon phase indicator, 24-hour indicator, leap year indicator, original certificate, and an additional caseback, crafted in 2012. The reference 5004, produced in limited quantities between 1994 and 2012, stands as one of the most technically advanced timepieces from the Lemania ébauche caliber era. Approximately 12 pieces were crafted each year.

Patek Philippe chose to encase only a select few in stainless steel, designating them as the reference 5004A. Complicated stainless steel watches are a rarity in Patek Philippe's repertoire, making the 5004A models highly sought after by collectors. These exclusive timepieces were exclusively offered to the brand's esteemed clientele, sold solely through the Geneva Salon, with each piece featuring engraved sapphire and solid casebacks bearing the original owner's name. Despite rumors of 50 pieces being produced, only 9 have emerged at auction to date. Estimated price is between $500,000 and $1,000,000, which is equivalent to AED 1,840,000 to AED 3,680,000. 

Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Chronometer

The Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Chronometer is a historically significant, exceptionally rare pocket watch chronometer with up-and-down indication (reminds the owner to rewind the watch before it stops running), made for Henry Graves Jr. in 1913. Graves is renowned for his legendary rivalry with James Ward Packard in commissioning some of the most intricate timepieces ever conceived. Ultimately, Graves emerged victorious, commissioning the groundbreaking Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication. Delivered in 1933 with an astounding 24 complications, it held the title of the world's most complicated timepiece for over fifty years. Before his pursuit of unparalleled complications, Graves sought out the finest and most accurate timepieces from the foremost watchmaking houses. Preferring 18 karat gold or platinum, he specifically requested movements rated #1 in the annual chronometry competitions at the Swiss Observatories. 

Like Formula 1 race cars, these "observatory chronometers" epitomized Graves' pursuit of perfection and excellence. Prior to delivery, the cases of these timepieces would bear the engraving of his family motto, "Esse Quam Videri" - To Be Rather Than to Seem. The present lot exemplifies this dedication to excellence. Delivered in October 1921, with an "Extra Special"-signed movement and a case adorned with Graves' family crest, this watch made its auction debut in December 2010. It was offered by the then-owner, who had acquired it from the estate of Marilyn Prescott Graves, the granddaughter of Henry Graves Jr.

While the exact number of timepieces commissioned by Packard and Graves remains unknown, approximately 30 have surfaced in the market to date. Consequently, whenever a timepiece owned by Packard or Graves is offered, it garners significant attention from the collecting community. These timepieces represent the pinnacle of 20th-century watchmaking – the epitome of excellence crafted by premier brands for the world's most esteemed collectors. Estimated to be valued between $100,000 and $200,000, which is equivalent to AED 370,000 and AED 740,000. 

F.P.Journe Centigraphe Souverain “F”

The F.P.Jpurne Centigraphe Souverain “F” is a platinum chronograph wristwatch featuring a vibrant red dial, platinum bracelet, and unique functionalities including 100th of a second, 20-second, and 10-minute counters, crafted in 2014. Originally available as a boutique exclusive and by special request only between 2008 and 2017, the F.P. Journe Centigraphe Souverain “F” represents a bold fusion of innovation and daring design. The choice of a striking red dial complemented by yellow accented hands mirrors Ferrari's iconic "rosso corsa," or racing red, reflecting the result of 15 years of  research and testing by Journe, in collaboration with Jean Todt, then CEO of Ferrari. This collaboration yielded an unprecedented chronograph ideally suited for car racing enthusiasts.

Powered by the in-house calibre 1506, featuring 18K gold bridges and plates, this intricate movement enables the display of an unconventional chronograph with registers measuring 100th of a second, 20 seconds, and 10 minutes. Believed to be one of approximately 20 produced, this Centigraphe “F” is regarded as the most sought-after among all Journe Centigraphes, further enhancing its desirability among collectors. The estimated value for this exceptional timepiece ranges from $200,000 to $400,000, equivalent to AED 740,000 and AED 1,470,000.

Hajime Asaoka Prototype Tourbillon PURA

A one-of-a-kind and exceptionally attractive stainless steel prototype tourbillon wristwatch with a black lacquer dial, accompanied by a certificate and presentation box, bearing the serial number 0, crafted in 2022. Hajime Asaoka, though relatively new to the industry, has garnered acclaim for his handcrafted timepieces, renowned for their rarity and exclusivity. His journey into watchmaking began during his tenure as a product designer, where encounters with enthusiasts ignited his passion for the craft. Inspired by George Daniels' seminal work "Watchmaking," Asaoka embarked on the creation of his prototype Tourbillon Number 1 in 2009. By 2011, he had established a small collection of timepieces, all meticulously designed, manufactured, and assembled by his own hands, resulting in an exceedingly limited annual production.

Deeply rooted in Japanese culture and aesthetics, Asaoka's creations embody a harmonious fusion of meticulous craftsmanship, precision engineering, and understated elegance. This unique prototype tourbillon from Japan's foremost independent watchmaker is a testament to Asaoka's exceptional craftsmanship and innovation. Numbered 0, it is presented in near-new condition, likely worn sparingly, and is accompanied by its original accessories. Estimated price is between $120,000 and $240,000, which is equivalent to AED 441,000 and AED 882,000.

For further details, please visit the official Phillips Auction website.