Geneva, 24 March 2025 - Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo has unveiled the highlights of the Geneva Watch Auction: XXI, set to take place on 10 and 11 May 2025. The house's first live watch auction of the year will offer nearly 200 rare and collectible timepieces spanning both vintage and contemporary horology, led by the only known Patek Philippe Ref. 3448 in pink gold, a fresh-to-market Rolex Daytona Ref. 6264 "Paul Newman Lemon" in yellow gold, and a unique Universal Genève Polerouter offered for charity. The sale opens Phillips' 10th anniversary year.
Alexandre Ghotbi, Head of Watches, Continental Europe & Middle East, and Tiffany To, Head of Sale, jointly said, "At Phillips Watches, we pride ourselves on our commitment to curating the extraordinary. Our upcoming Geneva auction is no exception, as we have meticulously selected timepieces that are not only rare but also tell a unique story." They added that the pieces offered "will be a testament to our collectors and watch community, as well as to the artistry and craftsmanship that define the world of horology."
The leading lots
The headline lot is the only known Patek Philippe Ref. 3448 in 18k pink gold, dated 1968, estimated at CHF 2,000,000 to 4,000,000. When it first appeared at auction in 2011, the watch confirmed the existence of a pink gold 3448, settling a long-standing debate among experts, and to date no other pink gold example has surfaced. As the world's first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch, with a 37mm case made by Antoine Gerlach and an engraved Second Series dial aged to a warm ivory hue, it represents the pinnacle of vintage Patek Philippe collecting. It is joined by the Patek Philippe Ref. 3974 in 18k yellow gold, dated 1991, estimated at CHF 250,000 to 500,000. Launched in 1989 for the firm's 150th anniversary, the Ref. 3974 was produced in only 120 examples over thirteen years, and this early one bears the "JHP" stamp of master casemaker Jean-Pierre Hagmann.
Rolex rarities
Among the Rolex highlights is the exceptionally rare Rolex Daytona Ref. 6264 "Paul Newman Lemon" in 18k yellow gold, circa 1970, estimated at CHF 650,000 to 1,300,000. Coming to auction from the family of the original owner, the watch has remained untouched in a safe since 1996 and is distinguished by its creamy yellow "Lemon" dial, one of only a handful known to exist. The sale also presents the Rolex Ref. 8171 "Padellone" in 18k pink gold, circa 1950, estimated at CHF 350,000 to 700,000. Produced between 1949 and 1952, the 8171 is one of only two Rolex models to feature a triple calendar and moonphase, and this example, complete with its original guarantee and COSC certificate, is the only pink gold 8171 known with full documentation.
Independent watchmaking
The auction marks the debut of the Konstantin Chaykin Thin King prototype, the world's thinnest wristwatch at just 1.65mm, dated 2025 and estimated at CHF 350,000 to 700,000. It is the first Thin King ever to be offered at auction, representing the final evolution of the manually wound watch Chaykin unveiled in 2024. Also offered is an F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain in platinum with a unique natural ruby heart stone dial, circa 2019, estimated at CHF 250,000 to 500,000. One of only twenty pieces produced in 2019 and 2020 and crafted in F.P. Journe's Geneva workshop, the 40mm watch is distinguished by its heavy platinum bracelet and the constant-force mechanism and deadbeat seconds of the Tourbillon Souverain.
Additional highlights
A unique Universal Genève Polerouter in 18k white gold, dated 2024 and estimated at CHF 25,000 to 50,000, marks the brand's revival under new ownership. Created to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the first SAS transpolar flight in 1954, the 33.5mm piece is the only one of three tributes available for sale, and proceeds will benefit a chainmaking training within CFP Arts Geneva. Rounding out the selection is the Vacheron Constantin Ref. 6448 in platinum, dated 1961 and estimated at CHF 120,000 to 240,000. As Vacheron Constantin's final vintage minute repeater wristwatch, produced in just three unique examples, this platinum version with diamond indexes has remained within the same family since its creation.
The full list of leading lots and their estimates is below.
The road to the saleroom
Ahead of the auction, a curated selection of highlights embarks on an international tour with stops in London, New York, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, and Riyadh. The auction itself takes place on 10 and 11 May 2025 at the Hotel President, 407 Quai Wilson, Geneva, with viewing from 7 to 11 May 2025. Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo holds the world record for the most successful watch auction, its Geneva Watch Auction: XIV having realized $74.5 million in 2021, and the house recorded an annual total of $215.8 million in 2023. Its record-breaking results include Paul Newman's own Rolex "Paul Newman" Daytona reference 6239, sold for CHF 17,709,894 (US$17,752,500) in 2017, the highest result ever achieved for any vintage wristwatch at auction, and a Patek Philippe reference 1518 in stainless steel, sold for CHF 11,020,000 (US$11,112,020) in 2016.
Estimates do not include buyer's premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer's premium.
(Press Release)
