Auction Phillips Continues to Break Records at the New York Watch Auction XIII

The New York Watch Auction: XIII achieved a total of $43.5 million, marking the highest total ever for a watch auction in the United States. Phillips in New York celebrated an unprecedented fifth consecutive year of 100-percent sold “white glove” live watch auctions, underscoring the strength of the global market for collectors’ timepieces.

Leading the sale was F.P. Journe’s unique FFC watch, from the collection of Francis Ford Coppola, which realized $10.8 million. This result set a new world auction record for F.P. Journe and established a record for any watch by an independent watchmaker.

The auction took place on 6–7 December 2025, with a total sale of $43,487,875 (CHF 34,972,212 / €37,371,763). All 144 lots offered were sold, achieving a perfect 100 percent sell-through rate.

The New York Watch Auction: XIII concluded Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo’s tenth anniversary year on an extraordinary note. The sale achieved a 100-percent sell-through rate by both lot and value, sold seven lots for over $1 million, and set a new record total for any watch auction in U.S. history. This milestone extends Phillips Watches’ streak to five consecutive years of 100-percent sold “white glove” live auctions in New York, highlighting the team’s unrivaled command of the market.

Leading the auction was Francis Ford Coppola’s unique FFC prototype, one of the most important watches ever offered at auction. This exceptional timepiece is the result of a collaboration between two of the greatest minds in cinematic and horological history and is the first watch to display the time using a single human hand. After eleven minutes of bidding from around the globe, the wristwatch sold for $10.8 million to an anonymous phone bidder. The result represents the highest price for a timepiece sold at auction in the United States since Phillips’ sale of Paul Newman’s Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona in 2017.

Paul Boutros, Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas, and Isabella Proia, Head of Sale and Senior International Specialist, commented:

"With over 2,000 registered bidders, we proudly closed Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo’s tenth anniversary year on an incredibly high note. Collectors responded enthusiastically to the opportunity to acquire Francis Ford Coppola’s personal timepieces, achieving stellar results for all seven watches consigned by the Hollywood icon. From the record-breaking FFC Prototype to the Chronomètre à Résonance “FFC,” which soared to $584,500, and the no-reserve Breguet that sold for 15 times its low estimate, it is clear that admiration for Mr. Coppola and his taste in watches cannot be overstated. We are honored to have been entrusted with his collection. These successes, alongside extraordinary prices for Philippe Dufour’s Duality and Simplicity No. 01, as well as rare examples from Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Omega, reaffirm the strength and depth of the global market for exceptional watches. The remarkable results of The New York Watch Auction: XIII reflect not only the unprecedented demand for rarity and provenance, but also the tireless dedication of our team, whose expertise and passion continue to set the benchmark for excellence."

Independent watchmakers sparked excitement at the start of the auction, with models by SpaceOne and J.N. Shapiro receiving extraordinary attention. Independents continued to dominate the sale, with F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour ultimately securing nine of the top ten lots.

The momentum for F.P. Journe on Day One carried strongly into Day Two. The Chronomètre à Résonance “Sincere Fine Watches,” featuring a black mother-of-pearl dial, realized $3.7 million—over ten times its low estimate—after more than ten minutes of global bidding. Produced as part of a limited series for the 50th anniversary of Singaporean retailer Sincere Fine Watches, only ten examples of this Résonance configuration exist.

Both the Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription No. 17” and the Octa Chronographe “Souscription No. 19” also exceeded estimates, achieving $2,843,000 and $1,572,500, respectively.

Phillips proudly presented a matching pair of timepieces by one of the greatest independent watchmakers of the past century, Philippe Dufour. The Duality and Simplicity models, both bearing the extraordinary serial number 01, offered a rare opportunity for collectors. The market responded enthusiastically, with the Duality achieving over $3 million and the Simplicity realizing $1.2 million.

For more information visit Phillips official website.