The recent Geneva auction set 43 world records. We selected 4 of them.
Last weekend, the two-day Phillips watch auction in Geneva concluded with record-breaking results. This time, the auction set 43 world records, with 14 out of 225 lots surpassing the CHF 1,000,000 mark. Another record was the auction's revenue, which reached CHF 74.8 million or $96.3 million. Let's talk about the 4 most notable record-setters from the auction.
Patek Philippe Ref. 2523 “Doppia Corona Policromo”
A rare world timer from 1953. The watch is presented in a 36-millimeter yellow gold case, equipped with two crowns. The dial, made using cloisonné enamel technique, features a map of South America. It is one of two known examples and the only one ever offered at a public auction. The watch was sold for a record CHF 7,961,000 or approximately $10.2 million, becoming the most expensive lot of the auction.
F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription No. 18”
One of the early F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance models, built on a brass movement. The key feature of the model is a bi-color case made of platinum and rose gold. The series includes 20 pieces, with only 5 having such a case. Two models in this quintet have a rose gold dial, while the remaining three, including this model, feature a white gold dial. Despite a relatively modest estimate of CHF 450,000–900,000, the watch sold for CHF 4,875,500 or $6.27 million.
Louis Richard “Triple Detent Constant Force One Minute Tourbillon Chronometer”
A pocket chronometer with a tourbillon and constant force mechanism, created in the mid-19th century. The watch is presented in a 56 mm yellow gold case. A distinctive feature of this model is that the tourbillon carriage includes three patented detents. Another important detail is a special lever that allows the third wheel's tooth to be locked. This enables the removal of the tourbillon for adjustment without loosening the mainspring tension.
It is believed that this watch is the only known Louis Richard piece combining a tourbillon and escapement with a constant force mechanism. The last time the watch was offered for sale was in 1990. Previously, it belonged to Harlow Shapley, director of the Harvard Observatory and honorary professor of astronomy at Harvard University. With an estimate of CHF 100,000–200,000, the watch sold for CHF 3,968,000 or approximately $5.1 million, making it the most expensive pocket chronometer in history.
Akrivia AK-06
The AK-06 model embodies everything collectors appreciate about the Akrivia brand and its founder, Rexhep Rexhepi. First released in 2017, the watch is available in 2 series of 25 pieces each. This model belongs to the series with a steel case. The main features of the mechanism include a seconds hand with a zero-reset option and a substantial power reserve indicator (100 hours). With an estimate of CHF 350,000–700,000, the watch was sold for CHF 3,000,000 ($3.86 million). This is a record for the Akrivia brand, which was founded quite recently in 2012.