The PHILLIPS auction “Famous Watches Collection – Geneva XI” held at Hôtel La Réserve from June 27 to 28 was full of highlights. In addition to the high price of the private collection of Patek Philippe by Biver, a big name in the watch industry, there were many other items that performed well. In particular, the independent watchmaker FP JOURNE, which attracted much attention before the auction, lived up to expectations and even achieved a surprise performance of more than 6 times the estimated price. This shows the love and competition of collectors, and it can be said to be a candidate for the king of watches in the independent watchmaking industry.
The following selection includes several key models that exceeded the estimated high price in this auction, including FP JOURNE. Let’s take a look at which models are currently at the forefront of the trend.
FP JOURNE
Although the independent brand FP JOURNE belongs to a niche market, it is the holy grail in the minds of many collectors, especially in the past one or two years, the auction results are outstanding. For example, the Astronomic Blue large complication watch of Only Watch in 2019 was sold for 1.8 million Swiss francs, which is three times the high estimate of 600,000 Swiss francs; recently, Sotheby’s online theme auction “Watches Weekly” FP Journe has repeatedly broken the estimate. It is not surprising that it was highly anticipated before the auction and achieved remarkable results after the auction.
Lot 48 This blue-faced Chronomètre Bleu is indeed a very popular style among collectors. The popular blue face, delicate workmanship, and limited production make it hard to find a watch. The transaction price was 50,000 Swiss francs (about 1.57 million Taiwan dollars, 420,000 Hong Kong dollars), which is 1 times higher than the estimated price.
The most popular items before the auction were Lot 101 FP Journe’s original Tourbillon Souverain “Souscription” and Lot 49 Résonance “Souscription”. The former was the key model that allowed brand founder François-Paul Journe to establish the brand, and only 20 were produced; the latter was provided by Mr. François-Paul Journe when he decided to launch the second classic watch “Résonance”. Customers who have already purchased the tourbillon watch can make reservations, and he specially commissioned jeweler Lorenz Baümer to design it. It is a very special two-tone style with a platinum bezel, rose gold case, and white gold dial. In particular, this Résonance was sold at 6.5 times the high estimate, with a transaction price of 1,040,000 Swiss francs (about NT$32.6 million, HK$8.6 million).
PATEK PHILIPPE
Patek Philippe’s stainless steel sports watches are undoubtedly popular in the market, and the blue dial and metal bracelet make them even more attractive. This time, the 5980A chronograph and 3700 all performed well, which shows that the popularity has not diminished.
The Aquanaut 5065 with a stainless steel colored dial was sold at a particularly good price. On the one hand, it is very likely to be a unique piece, and on the other hand, such a bright color dial is rare for Patek Philippe. In addition to this Blue Dial, the same model Lot 119 Prune Dial with a plum red dial is also rare and sold at the same price.
ROLEX
It is not news that Rolex auctions are excellent. Antique models, good condition, and rare quantities can constitute a high price. However, several popular models in recent years were sold at high prices. As new online watches, you can feel the enthusiasm of the pursuit. For example, although the 126710BLNR blue and black circle is a ’19 model, it has soared to about NT$780,000 (HKD200,000), an increase of 140%; the 2017 Daytona 116518LN also performed well.
AUDEMARS PIGUET
Apart from the ROO chronograph special edition, Audemars Piguet’s second-hand market is frankly mediocre, but this time there was a very eye-catching example, such as this green-faced RO perpetual calendar, a special edition launched for Hong Kong Yuyi Watches, limited to 50 pieces, which is a triple limit in terms of region, quantity and store. No wonder it is sought after by collectors.
The 15500ST and 15202ST are also very popular models of Audemars Piguet in recent years. This momentum is reflected in the auction market. In addition to Lot 12 Royal Oak 15500ST, Lot 115 Royal Oak 15202 also sold at a high price.
CARTIER Cartier
Although Cartier has always been a frequent auctioneer, it is relatively difficult to have a very outstanding performance because of its many styles. However, this Lot 18 Tank Asymétrique was sold at a price that is more than 4 times the high bid of the estimated price. Coincidentally, the 2020 modern version of the Tank Asymétrique was also launched this year, taking advantage of a wave of topics.
ZENITH
ZENITH’s El Primero naturally has an important position in the watch industry, and this El Primero SP 1301 is an early version of the El Primero series. The chronograph dial and the tachymeter ring on the outer edge of the dial have been oxidized. The tropical tropical surface presents a beautiful brown, even closer to a lighter drupe color, with a uniform tone. The diameter of the watch is 37mm.
According to the auction house information, this El Primero A3817 is a rarer style than its sister A386. The number of production may be only 1,000. The three-color chronograph dial with different shades is a highly recognizable feature of the series. It is paired with a metal chain made by the famous chain factory Gay Frères. The open chain link shape is very special. This special chain design has also been launched in this year’s A384 Revival.
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