Geneva, 7 April 2025 - Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo will present one of the most historically and technically important horological creations of the 20th century: the Breguet Sympathique N°1, designed and built by Francois-Paul Journe in 1991. Carrying an estimate in excess of CHF 1,000,000, the set will be offered at the Geneva Watch Auction: XXI, taking place on 10 and 11 May 2025 at the Hotel President in Geneva. It is a modern tribute to one of Abraham-Louis Breguet's most ingenious inventions, pairing an Empire-style master clock with yellow gold panels and a matching 18k yellow gold wristwatch tourbillon.
Alexandre Ghotbi, Head of Watches, Europe & Middle East, and Tiffany To, Head of Sale, jointly said, "Sir David Salomons, the world's greatest Breguet collector, once wrote, 'To carry a fine Breguet watch is to feel that you have the brains of a genius in your pocket.' To paraphrase him, the Breguet Sympathique N°1 offers the extraordinary sensation of having Breguet's genius reimagined for modern times through the vision of F.P. Journe and THA, placing the brilliance of these watchmaking masters on your mantelpiece, in your pocket, or on your wrist. It is an absolute honour to bring this historic masterpiece back to the market after over 30 years, a symbol of craftsmanship and human ingenuity that transcends generations and continues to inspire collectors and connoisseurs alike."
A forgotten complication, reimagined
First conceived in 1795, Abraham-Louis Breguet's original Pendule Sympathique was a system that allowed a paired pocket watch to be automatically wound, set, and adjusted by its accompanying clock. Only eleven were ever produced, each a mechanical marvel. Nearly 200 years later, Francois-Paul Journe, then at the helm of Technique Horlogere Appliquee (THA) alongside Denis Flageollet and Dominique Mouret, was commissioned by Breguet to revisit this complication for the landmark 1991 "Art of Breguet" exhibition and auction.
The result was the Sympathique N°1. Standing 255mm tall, with yellow gold panels and a classical architectural form designed by the horological illustrator David Penney, the clock is equipped with a moon-phase, equation of time, thermometer, and full calendar showing day, date, and month. It is also the first and only example of Journe's proposed twenty clocks to be crafted in gold. The matching wristwatch, made in 18k yellow gold and measuring 36mm in diameter, features a tourbillon, moon-phase, and power reserve in a regulator-style layout. When the wristwatch is docked within the clock, the Sympathique mechanism winds the watch, sets the time, and regulates its balance to match its own.
A storied provenance
The Sympathique N°1 made its public debut during the "Art of Breguet" exhibition in 1991 and the subsequent auction in Geneva on 14 April 1991, where it sold for CHF 1,546,250. It has remained within the same collection ever since. As Breguet celebrates its 250th anniversary this year, the return of the set is a testament to Journe's early genius and long fascination with the tourbillon and complex timekeeping systems, an obsession that would later define his eponymous brand.
A record-setting department
Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo holds the world record for the most successful watch auction, its Geneva Watch Auction: XIV having realized US$74.5 million in 2021. The department's annual total for watch auctions in 2024 exceeded US$212 million, marking the first time any auction house's Watches department has surpassed US$200 million in annual sales for four consecutive years. Its record-breaking results include Paul Newman's Rolex "Paul Newman" Daytona reference 6239, which sold for CHF 17,709,894 (US$17,752,500) at the New York Auction: Winning Icons on 26 October 2017, the highest result ever achieved for any vintage wristwatch at auction, and a Patek Philippe reference 1518 in stainless steel, which realized CHF 11,020,000 (US$11,112,020) at the Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR on 12 November 2016, the highest result ever achieved for a vintage Patek Philippe wristwatch at auction.
The Geneva Watch Auction: XXI takes place on 10 and 11 May 2025, with viewing from 7 to 11 May 2025 at the Hotel President, 407 Quai Wilson, Geneva.
Estimates do not include buyer's premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer's premium.
(Press Release)
