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$25 Million and Prestige Timekeeping: Inside the Record-Breaking New York Watch Auction by Phillips

From historic Patek Philippe rarities to world-record-setting independents, Phillips’ twelfth New York Watch Auction proved the enduring power of fine watchmaking and the allure of luxe amenities.

Por: Alejandro Carrillo June 14, 2025

In a stunning showcase of horological prestige, The New York Watch Auction: XII by Phillips reached a jaw-dropping $25 million in total sales / Photo via Phillips Auction

In a stunning showcase of horological prestige, The New York Watch Auction: XII by Phillips reached a jaw-dropping $25 million in total sales, continuing an impressive four-and-a-half-year streak of 100% sold “white glove” auctions. Hosted at their refined 432 Park Avenue location, the event confirmed Phillips’ dominance in the luxury watch space and the ever-growing global demand for exceptional timepieces.

Over the course of the auction weekend, collectors from more than 70 countries participated—nearly one-third of the world was represented in a single saleroom.

American buyers alone made up nearly half of the registered bidders, demonstrating the domestic appetite for rare timepieces with high investment value and luxe amenities.

Patek Philippe Leads with Rarity, Legacy, and Million-Dollar Results

Two headline-grabbing pieces from Patek Philippe stole the show: a yellow gold Ref. 1518 perpetual calendar chronograph fetched $1.45 million—nearly four times its low estimate—and a pristine, stainless steel Ref. 570 exceeded $1 million, both among the highest prices ever recorded for their models. These iconic watches exemplify the brand’s timeless design and technical excellence, making them the centerpiece of any collection that values innovation, heritage, and luxe amenities.

Independent Watchmakers Break Barriers and Records

While heritage brands dazzled, independent makers claimed their own moment in the spotlight. F.P. Journe emerged as a standout with multiple record-breaking lots, including the Répétition Souveraine ($685,800) and Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique “T30” ($889,000). A Harry Winston Opus One Chronomètre à Résonance—crafted in collaboration with Journe—set a new record at $838,200.

A remarkable A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph “Concorso” commanded global interest and sold for $736,600 after an intense bidding session. This “1 of 1” piece, never before offered to the public, featured a striking pink gold dial and stands as a symbol of the fusion between haute horlogerie and luxury automotive prestige.

Rolex, Cartier, and Bulgari: Icons Reimagined

Vintage legends also saw exceptional results. A Rolex “Big Red” Daytona Ref. 6265, once owned by Formula One icon Jean-Pierre Jabouille, sold for $215,900—more than double its estimate—bringing motorsport history into the world of fine watches. Cartier’s eight lots all surpassed high expectations, especially the Ref. 78102 Coussin Bamboo “Jumbo,” which brought in $177,800, establishing a new world record for the yellow gold model.

Bulgari delivered the auction’s most surprising performance: a Tubogas ladies’ watch shattered expectations, achieving $170,180 from an estimate as low as $4,000, highlighting that even modern, fashion-forward pieces now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with traditional mechanical legends in the luxe watch category.

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Women’s Timepieces and Luxe Amenities Take the Spotlight

Ladies’ watches demonstrated impressive market momentum, led by Patek Philippe’s Ref. 7000R-001 Minute Repeater, which sold for $349,250—setting a world record for the reference.

Meanwhile, Piaget’s “Tiger Eye” and other elegantly designed models showed that collectors are increasingly valuing aesthetic uniqueness and feminine luxury as essential luxe amenities in the world of high-end horology.

With the success of The New York Watch Auction: XII, Phillips continues to solidify its reputation as the epicenter of elite timepiece auctions. Their ability to curate extraordinary collections—from museum-worthy vintage pieces to modern marvels with luxe amenities—proves that the market for rare and collectible watches is not just resilient but thriving.

Collectors, investors, and watch lovers alike now eagerly anticipate what the next season at 432 Park Avenue will reveal.

Key Information

How much did Phillips' New York Watch Auction: XII earn in total? $25 million.
What was the top-selling watch at the auction? A yellow gold Patek Philippe Ref. 1518, sold for $1.45 million.
Which brand saw multiple world record prices? F.P. Journe.
What was the standout performance among ladies’ watches? Patek Philippe Ref. 7000R-001 Minute Repeater, sold for $349,250.