The 5 Most Exciting Watches in Phillips’s December Auction

Fresh from holding the most lucrative watch auction in history, Phillips has announced the full catalog for another epic sale.

The upcoming New York Watch Auction: XIII, taking place from December 6 to 7, will feature 146 timepieces of exceptional quality, rarity, and provenance.

The undisputed star of the sale is Francis Ford Coppola’s unique F.P.Journe FFC prototype, which is expected to fetch in excess of $1 million. Six other watches from the Hollywood heavyweight’s personal collection will also go under the gavel, alongside two incredible pieces by legendary independent watchmaker Philippe Dufour. The Duality and Simplicity, both the first in their series, are expected to hammer down for up to $2 million and $700,000, respectively.

The sale will also include an assortment of rarities from heritage brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Omega, plus some magnificent creations from the leading independent makers.

“This season’s offerings reflect the extraordinary creativity and technical mastery of independent watchmakers and established brands, as well as the enduring passion collectors have for horology and the stories behind each timepiece,” Paul Boutros and Isabella Proia of Phillips said in a statement.

All the auction grails will be on display at 432 Park Ave from December 3 to 5. In the meantime, you can check out the five best lots below.

Francis Ford Coppola’s F.P.Journe FFC Prototype

Francis Ford Coppola made François-Paul Journe an offer he couldn’t refuse at his Napa Valley winery in 2012: Let’s create a wristwatch that uses a human hand to display time. Journe immediately got to work, spending years developing the FCC Prototype before unveiling it in 2021. The unique piece features a platinum case and a blackened titanium hand that displays the hours through finger gestures. It is, of course, also engraved with “Francis Ford Coppola” in honor of the filmmaker. The FFC is the first and only F.P.Journe born out of an idea that came from someone other than Journe himself.

Estimate: In excess of $1 million

Philippe Dufour Duality ‘No. 01’

Unveiled in 1996, the Duality was Philippe Dufour’s second wristwatch but was equally as groundbreaking as his first. It was the first wristwatch in history to be equipped with a double escapement, featuring two independent balance wheels regulated through a central differential. Dufour originally intended to produce 25 examples, but the sheer complexity of crafting the movement meant only 10 were made. This example is one of only two known pieces presented in white gold, according to Phillips. It is also emblazoned with the extraordinary serial number of 01.

Estimate: $1 million–$2 million

Philippe Dufour Simplicity ‘No. 01’

Introduced in 2000, the Simplicity was an homage to the golden age of Swiss watchmaking. Every single part of the movement was finished by hand to Dufour’s exacting standards, putting the piece at the pinnacle of independent haute horologie. This particular example also holds the distinct honor of being the first 37 mm watch Dufour ever produced, bearing the holy grail serial number 01 on the movement. Featuring a pink gold case and white lacquer dial, the Simplicity is elegant in its simplicity.

Estimate: $350,000–$700,000

Rolex Ref. 8171 ‘Padellone’

Rolex’s Reference 8171 is affectionately known as the Padellone (Italian for “large frying pan”) because its 38 mm case was considered big when the watch was unveiled in 1949. Such proportions have rendered the vintage model extremely coveted among collectors. Originally delivered in 1952, this example was hardly ever worn and thus retains sharp edges and crisp facets. Even the engraved case number and Rolex coronet are still perfectly intact on the caseback. The dial is equally pristine, with the original grainé surface only showing minor signs of aging, according to Phillips. To top it off, the piece is fitted with a period-correct Gay Frères bracelet.

Estimate: $250,000–$500,000

Rolex Ref. 6265 Cosmograph Daytona ‘Khanjar’

This Rolex Daytona (Ref. 6265) is one of the luxuryLuxuryA lifestyle defined by exceptional quality, craftsmanship, exclusivity, and sophistication, encompassing the finest products, services, and experiences that represent the highest standards of refinement and excellence.Go to Luxury Glossary timepieces commissioned by the Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said al Said, and presented as a gift of state. These watches feature the Omani royal crest (the Khanjar) on the dial or caseback, making them extremely rare and highly collectible. This particular Rollie is the only black-dialed Ref. 6265 to feature a green Khanjar emblem within the 12-hour subsidiary register and a “Big Red” Daytona logo at 6 o’clock, making it possibly unique, according to Phillips. It was gifted to a career U.S. Air Force officer who later served as a personal pilot to the Dubai royal family. It was presented to him in 1970 and has stayed in the family ever since.

Estimate: $250,000–$500,000