Geneva’s May 10, 2025 edition of Phillips’ Watch Auction: XXL proved once again that the world’s most coveted timepieces continue to command staggering attention — and even more staggering prices. From a groundbreaking F.P. Journe prototype that rewrote the record books to unique references from Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin, the auction was nothing short of a masterclass in horological significance.
Below, we spotlight the top 9 performers of the evening, ranked by their hammer prices.
1. Lot 18 — F.P. Journe x THA for Breguet
Reference No. 1
Estimate: In excess of CHF 1,000,000
Sold for: CHF 5,505,000
A piece of horological history, this early collaboration between François-Paul Journe, Denis Flageollet, and Vianney Halter under the THA banner for Breguet stunned the room by achieving CHF 5.5 million. A truly rare prototype with deep historical roots, its legacy helped catapult it to the auction’s top spot.
2. Lot 74 — Patek Philippe Ref. 3448 “Padellone – The Only One Known”
Estimate: CHF 2,000,000 – 4,000,000
Sold for: CHF 2,722,000
The only known example of its kind, this Patek Philippe Ref. 3448 in white gold, nicknamed “Padellone”, lived up to its reputation. The combination of rarity, design purity, and mechanical excellence made it irresistible to collectors.
3. Lot 179 – Cartier Portico Mystery Clock
Reference: 0339
Estimate: In excess of CHF 2,000,000
Sold for: CHF 3,932,000
One of Cartier’s most iconic Art Deco creations, the Portico Mystery Clock embodies technical wizardry and visual magic — the hands appear to float within a rock crystal pane. A spectacular result for a timeless mystery.
4. Lot 116 — F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain
Reference 164-TN
Estimate: CHF 250,000 – 500,000
Sold for: CHF 1,633,000
An astonishing leap beyond its estimate, this Tourbillon Souverain exemplified F.P. Journe’s uncompromising mastery of precision and finishing. A strong contender in any serious collection, it represents independent watchmaking at its most respected.
5. Lot 24 — A. Lange & Söhne Grande Complication
Estimate: CHF 500,000 – 1,000,000
Sold for: CHF 1,168,400
Among the most complex creations by the Glashütte maison, the Grande Complication rarely surfaces at auction. A tour-de-force in chiming, perpetual calendar, and split-second mechanics, this piece made a bold statement about German haute horlogerie.
6. Lot 141 – Charles Frodsham Carriage Clock
Quarter Repeating, Grande & Petite Sonnerie, Perpetual Calendar, Tourbillon
Estimate: CHF 100,000 – 200,000
Sold for: CHF 812,800
An extraordinary result for an exceptional carriage clock. Mechanical complexity met historical significance in this piece, showcasing the strength of independent English watchmaking.
7. Lot 179 — Rolex Ref. 6264 Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman Lemon”
Estimate: CHF 600,000 – 1,200,000
Sold for: CHF 825,500
One of the most sought-after Daytona configurations, the “Paul Newman Lemon Dial” is a grail-level Rolex. The warm, tropicalized tones of the dial and vintage charisma helped it hammer well above expectations.
8. Lot 54 — Vacheron Constantin Ref. 6448 “Unique Piece”
Estimate: CHF 120,000 – 240,000
Sold for: CHF 698,500
Collectors took notice of this Vacheron Constantin unique piece, which delivered exceptional aesthetic balance and finishing — a rare bird in the market and a prize for any connoisseur.
9. Lot 17 — F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance “Sincere Fine Watches”
Reference 162-RN
Estimate: CHF 200,000 – 400,000
Sold for: CHF 685,800
This special edition of the Chronomètre à Résonance featured the rare “Sincere Fine Watches” dial configuration. With interest in early Journe models surging, this result reflects the growing reverence for his resonance technology.
The results of Phillips’ Geneva 2025 sale confirm that the appetite for fine, rare, and historically significant timepieces is not only alive — it’s accelerating. With F.P. Journe commanding multiple top lots, and icons like Patek Philippe and Rolex delivering expected fireworks, this auction set the tone for what collectors and investors should watch in the seasons ahead.
