Phillips New York Watch Auction XIV Sets Record as Highest-Grossing Watch Auction in US History
A landmark moment in modern horology as Phillips achieves $75.8 million in a fully sold-out “white glove” sale
Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo has once again redefined the global watch auction landscape with The New York Watch Auction: XIV, achieving a historic total of $75.8 million and setting a new benchmark as the highest-grossing watch auction ever held in the United States.
The result marks another milestone in a remarkable run of five and a half consecutive years of 100% sold live auctions in New York, reinforcing Phillips’ dominant position at the very top of the global auction market.
- Sale Total: $75,807,200 / CHF 60,418,733 / EUR 65,539,182
- Lots Sold: 158 of 158
- 16 watches above $1 million
- Multiple world records across independent and historic makers
This season also marked an unprecedented achievement: three watches sold above $10 million across Geneva, Hong Kong, and New York in a single season, a first in auction history. Below is a selection of the top 10 results from the auction.
F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription No. 007” Leads the Sale
The undisputed highlight of the auction was the extraordinary F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription No. 007”, which achieved a staggering $13,922,000, setting multiple world records for any independent watchmaker and any 21st-century watch sold at auction.
Originally produced around 2000 as part of a 20-piece subscription series, the watch represents one of François-Paul Journe’s most important technical breakthroughs, using dual resonating escapements for enhanced chronometric precision.
Its first-ever appearance on the market, combined with extreme rarity and historical significance, placed it firmly at the centre of global collector attention.
| Platinum & 18K Pink Gold |
| Circa 2000 |
| 38 mm |
| Manual Cal. 1499 |
| Dual Resonance Escapements |
| In excess of $1,000,000 |
| Sold for: $13,922,000 |
Patek Philippe Ref. 5004G-020 “Eric Clapton” Sets New Reference Record
One of the most talked-about modern Patek Philippe watches ever offered at auction, the Ref. 5004G-020 “Eric Clapton” achieved $5,202,000, setting a world record for the reference.
This unique white gold split-seconds perpetual calendar chronograph stands out for its rare “rose” dial configuration and its celebrated provenance, having been owned by Eric Clapton.
| 18K White Gold |
| 2008 |
| 36.5 mm |
| CH 27-70 Q |
| Split-Seconds Chronograph, Perpetual Calendar |
| Estimate: $700,000 – 1,400,000 |
| Sold for: $5,202,000 |
F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain Anniversaire “Hong Kong”
The rare F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain Anniversaire “Hong Kong” reached $4,355,000, confirming continued global demand for early limited-production Journe tourbillons.
Limited to just five pieces, this titanium and pink gold creation combines technical sophistication with a highly collectible anniversary format.
| Titanium, 18K Pink Gold |
| Circa 2010 |
| 40 mm |
| Cal. 1403 |
| Tourbillon, Remontoir d’Égalité |
| Estimate: $600,000 – $1,200,000 |
| Sold for: $4,355,000 |
Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 Confirms Blue-Chip Status
The historic Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 achieved $3,992,000, reinforcing its position as one of the most important vintage chronographs ever produced.
This pink gold perpetual calendar chronograph remains a cornerstone reference in Patek Philippe history and one of the earliest serially produced complications of its kind.
| 18k white gold |
| 1948 |
| 35 mm |
| Cal. 13”’ |
| Perpetual Calendar Chronograph |
| Estimate: $1,200,000 – $2,400,000 |
| Sold for: $3,992,000 |
F.P. Journe Tourbillon Anniversaire “T30”
The F.P. Journe Tourbillon Anniversaire “T30” achieved $2,032,000, highlighting continued appetite for anniversary editions within the brand’s early production history.
This silver and pink gold tourbillon combines technical refinement with limited production exclusivity.
| Silver, 18K Pink Gold |
| 2014 |
| 40 mm |
| Cal. 1412 |
| Tourbillon |
| Estimate: $600,000 – $1,200,000 |
| Sold for: $2,032,000 |
F.P. Journe Octa Chronographe “Swiss FineTiming”
The extremely rare F.P. Journe Octa Chronographe “Swiss FineTiming” sold for $2,032,000, reflecting strong collector interest in early limited-series chronographs.
Produced in only seven examples, this platinum flyback chronograph represents one of the most exclusive modern Journe configurations.
| Platinum |
| 2008 |
| 40 mm |
| Cal. 1300.2 |
| Flyback Chronograph |
| Estimate: $200,000 – $400,000 |
| Sold for: $2,032,000 |
F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain “Swiss FineTiming”
The Chronomètre Souverain “Swiss FineTiming” achieved $1,968,500, confirming sustained demand for ultra-limited independent chronometers.
Produced in just eight pieces, this platinum timepiece reinforces the strength of early experimental Journe series.
| Platinum |
| 2008 |
| 40 mm |
| Cal. 1304 |
| Power Reserve |
| Estimate: $100,000 – $200,000 |
| Sold for: $1,968,500 |
Voutilainen Masterpiece Chronograph II
The Voutilainen Masterpiece Chronograph II “Number 1 of 10” achieved $1,841,500, highlighting growing recognition of Kari Voutilainen’s work at the highest level of collecting.
As the first piece of a 10-unit series, this white gold chronograph combines rarity with artisanal finishing.
| 18K White Gold |
| Circa 2012 |
| 39.5 mm |
| Cal. 25 |
| Chronograph |
| Estimate: $120,000 – $240,000 |
| Sold for: $1,841,500 |
Rolex Daytona “John Player Special”
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “John Player Special” achieved $1,803,400, confirming continued strength in exotic dial vintage Rolex references.
This 1969 yellow gold chronograph remains one of the most iconic and visually distinctive Daytona configurations ever produced.
| 14K Yellow Gold |
| Circa 1969 |
| 37 mm |
| Cal. 722-1 |
| Chronograph |
| Estimate: $700,000 – $1,400,000 |
| Sold for: $1,803,400 |
Richard Mille RM52-01 Skull Piece Unique
The Richard Mille RM52-01 Skull Piece Unique sold for $1,397,000, reinforcing demand for bold, technically complex modern creations.
This pink gold and ceramic tourbillon features a gem-set skull motif and represents one of the most visually striking modern Richard Mille executions.
| 18K Pink Gold, TZP Ceramic, Carbon Nanotubes |
| 2016 |
| 42.7 mm |
| Cal. RM052 |
| Tourbillon |
| Estimate: $400,000 – $800,000 |
| Sold for: $1,397,000 |
Final Thoughts
The Phillips New York Watch Auction XIV confirms a defining moment in modern horology, with $75.8 million in total sales and a perfect 100% sell-through rate.
The results clearly underline three dominant forces in today’s collecting landscape: the continued rise of F.P. Journe as the leader in independent horology, the enduring strength of Patek Philippe as the cornerstone of high-end watchmaking, and the sustained appeal of vintage Rolex alongside contemporary haute horlogerie.
This was not just another strong auction result, but a clear statement on the direction of the global watch market at its highest level.
For more information, please visit the official Phillips website.
Explore the releases of 2026.
