Geneva delivered another thrilling chapter in the world of haute horlogerie as Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo hosted its “Rare Watches: Featuring Stories in Time” auction on 12 May 2025. Bidders from across the globe dialed in — digitally and in person — to compete for icons, independents, and unique commissions that tell extraordinary stories of craft and culture.
Below is a ranked breakdown of the standout performers, from headline-makers to underdog surprises — all highlighting the market’s continued appetite for the rare, the innovative, and the storied.
1. Richard Mille RM27-01 Rafael Nadal (Lot 55)
Estimate: CHF 1,000,000 – 2,000,000
Sold for: CHF 1,255,000
Lightweight, legendary, and engineered for flight on the tennis court. Nadal’s namesake watch once again proves that high-performance horology commands high-performance bidding.
2. Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman John Player Special” Ref. 6264 (Lot 148)
Estimate: CHF 800,000 – 1,600,000
Sold for: CHF 1,008,000
A golden icon with vintage motorsport appeal. The black-and-gold “JPS” livery remains one of the most seductive Daytona expressions — and collectors know it.
3. Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ‘Breguet’ Ref. 3970EG-028 (Lot 54)
Estimate: CHF 400,000 – 800,000
Sold for: CHF 882,000
Classic Geneva watchmaking at its finest. Elegant proportions, rare Breguet numerals, and immaculate execution led to a result that exceeded expectations.
4. F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance “pre-souscription” Ref. 041/00R (Lot 109)
Estimate: CHF 600,000 – 1,000,000
Sold for: CHF 831,600
An early piece from Journe’s foundational period. Collectors gravitate toward the “pre-souscription” rarity and resonance innovation that set the tone for independent watchmaking today.
5. Cartier Crash Special Order Ref. 4131 (Lot 17)
Estimate: CHF 150,000 – 250,000
Sold for: CHF 756,000
Parisian surrealism meets bespoke luxury. A modern special order of the legendary Crash brought the curveball flair collectors crave.
6. Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari Ultra-flat No. 94/150 (Lot 18)
Estimate: CHF 700,000 – 1,600,000
Sold for: CHF 756,000
A technical and visual marvel, this RM-Ferrari collaboration ranks among the thinnest watches ever made — and its auction debut didn’t disappoint.
7. Audemars Piguet Quantième Perpétuel Unique Piece Ref. 5786BA (Lot 65)
Estimate: CHF 150,000 – 250,000
Sold for: CHF 592,200
The sole example of its kind. A classically styled perpetual calendar that illustrates AP’s capacity for bespoke excellence beyond the Royal Oak.
8. F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance Ruthenium No. 5/99 (Lot 78)
Estimate: CHF 300,000 – 500,000
Sold for: CHF 592,200
Ruthenium dials continue to fuel Journe fever. This dual-time Résonance in rare metal finish proved irresistible to collectors of independent greatness.
9. F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain Ruthenium No. 5/99 (Lot 77)
Estimate: CHF 300,000 – 500,000
Sold for: CHF 541,800
Another hit from Journe’s Ruthenium series. Tourbillon engineering, limited production, and enduring appeal ensured a solid result.
If one narrative ruled the evening, it was this: rarity with purpose wins. From ultra-thin feats by Richard Mille to early Journe resonance pieces and design provocateurs like the Cartier Crash, this sale showcased what the modern collector values — precision, provenance, and personality. Geneva continues to confirm its throne as the epicenter of high-stakes watch collecting.
