Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo achieved a ‘white glove’ sale, selling every lot offered in the recent Geneva Watch Auction: XVI
The multiple-record-breaking sale resulted in a grand total of CHF 44,979,370, more than doubling the pre-sale estimate of CHF 19.9 to 37.5 million. The undisputed ‘star of the show’ was LOT 27, the unique Spring Case Tourbillon in yellow gold by George Daniels (above), the founding father of independent watchmaking. The watch soared above its pre-sale estimate of CHF 1 million, eventually selling to a bidder in the room for CHF 4,083,500. This was the highest price ever achieved for a wristwatch by a British maker but also the second highest price achieved by an independent watchmaker.
Another star lot of the sale was, LOT 209, the unique A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph ‘Hampton Court Edition’. The bidding war took the watch to new heights, achieving CHF 1,058,500 and a world auction record for any A. Lange & Söhne watch at auction. The proceeds are going to The Prince’s Trust, including buyer’s premium.
“The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI celebrated not only the pinnacle of independent watchmaking, with the incredible results achieved by the trio of George Daniels wristwatches, let by the Spring Case Tourbillon selling for more than CHF 4 million, but also attested of the incredible appetite of the watch community for rare, high quality collectible vintage and contemporary pieces that reflect horological history. Speaking of history, the Geneva Watch Auction: XVI is, from our perception, but also from what we know of the more extended watch community: the sale with the most variety in terms of brands, styles, complications, designs and relevance. A true milestone for the industry.”
Alexandre Ghotbi, Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East & Head of Sale, Phillips
Another world auction record was achieved for LOT 232, the exceptional Philippe Dufour Simplicity in white gold (above), which eventually sold for CHF 1,022,200. With a case/dial configuration that has never been seen on the market before, this wristwatch is a grail for any heeled watch collector, bearing slate grey dial, full pink gold Breguet numerals and pink gold hands.
TOP TEN LOTS OF THE GENEVA WATCH AUCTION: XVI
For more information please visit Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo