London, 27 February 2025 - Phillips Perpetual has announced Independent Spirit, an exclusive exhibition dedicated to the artistry and innovation of independent watchmaking, on display at 30 Berkeley Square, London, from 13 to 15 March 2025. The landmark event will showcase five esteemed independent watchmakers, Raúl Pagès, Theo Auffret, David Candaux, Konstantin Chaykin, and Charles Frodsham, while a selection of watches drawn from the forthcoming Geneva Watch Auction: XXI will also be on view, including timepieces by Voutilainen, F.P. Journe, Haldimann, and Philippe Dufour.
Chris Youé, Head of Perpetual, said, "Phillips has long championed independent watchmaking, recognising its vital role in shaping the future of horology. As a leader in showcasing independent watchmakers, Phillips continues to set the standard in highlighting groundbreaking talent. This exhibition reaffirms our commitment to supporting these visionary artisans, providing a platform for collectors to engage with their remarkable craftsmanship and pioneering innovations. We are also delighted to present a selection of watches from our forthcoming Geneva Watch Auction: XXI, showcasing the very best in independent watchmaking." Collectors and enthusiasts will have the rare opportunity to engage directly with these master artisans, in an intimate setting offering a comprehensive exploration into the philosophies, technical mastery, and creative brilliance behind some of the most sought-after timepieces in contemporary horology.
The featured watchmakers
Among the highlights, Raúl Pagès will present the Soberly Onyx and the RP1 Régulateur à détente, a showcase of his refined craftsmanship, while Theo Auffret will bring his elegantly executed handmade tourbillons, a testament to Parisian watchmaking excellence. David Candaux will exhibit his sculptural DC6 Titanium, a watch inspired by nature and the Vallée de Joux, and Konstantin Chaykin, the mastermind behind the whimsical and technically intricate Joker Classic, Panda, Kolobok, and Thin King, will display his signature creations. Charles Frodsham, in turn, will present the firm's revered Double Impulse Chronometers, including a never-before-seen 18K rose gold edition making its debut at the exhibition.
Highlights from the Geneva Watch Auction: XXI
Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo will also present a selection of independent watchmaker highlights from The Geneva Watch Auction: XXI, taking place on 10 and 11 May 2025 at the house's Geneva venue, the Hotel President Geneva. Following a record-breaking 2024, in which Phillips Watches surpassed US$200 million in annual auction sales for the fourth consecutive year, the upcoming live sale reaffirms the house's position as the global leader in watch auctions, with an exceptional selection of rare and significant timepieces from the 20th and 21st centuries. Ahead of the auction, 20 watches by independent watchmakers will be exhibited in London alongside Independent Spirit, before the tour continues to New York, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, and Riyadh.
Alexandre Ghotbi, Head of Watches, Continental Europe & Middle East, said, "We are thrilled to showcase a selection of timepieces by independent watchmakers from The Geneva Watch Auction: XXI alongside the Independent Spirit exhibition. Horology is a world of intricate craftsmanship, where precision engineering meets artistic vision. At Phillips, we have long championed independent watchmakers and the groundbreaking innovation they bring to the industry. We look forward to celebrating their artistry through Independent Spirit and once again in our May auction, where their exceptional creations will take center stage."
The independent highlights on view from The Geneva Watch Auction: XXI include:
Independent Spirit will be open from 13 to 15 March 2025, with viewing times of 10am to 6pm GMT, on the 3rd Floor at 30 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EX.
Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo holds the world record for the most successful watch auction, with its Geneva Watch Auction: XIV having realized $74.5 million in 2021, and recorded an annual total of $215.8 million in 2023, its second most successful year. The team's record-breaking results include Paul Newman's Rolex "Paul Newman" Daytona reference 6239 (CHF 17,709,894 / US$17,752,500), sold in New York in October 2017 as the highest result ever achieved for any vintage wristwatch at auction, and a Patek Philippe reference 1518 in stainless steel (CHF 11,020,000 / US$11,112,020), sold in Geneva in November 2016 as the highest result ever achieved for a vintage Patek Philippe wristwatch at auction.
Estimates do not include buyer's premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer's premium.
(Press Release)
