At Phillips Watches, we are not just enthusiasts of horology; we are true watch nuts. Watches are ingrained in every facet of our lives, a constant presence in our thoughts and conversations.
We wholeheartedly believe that the collection of timepieces to be offered in our auction on 3 and 4 November in Geneva is a testament to the unwavering passion and profound respect we hold for these exquisite mechanical marvels and the brilliant minds behind them.
This forthcoming live sale comes on the heels of a successful spring season, marking a continuous run of over two-and-a-half years of consecutive white-glove auctions for the department.
Here are my personal favourites from The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII – taking place on 3 and 4 November at the Hôtel La Réserve.
Vacheron Constantin ref 4072 in steel/pink gold
Lot 9
I have a soft spot for vintage Vacheron Constantin chronographs and this example in steel and rose gold with champagne dial hits all the correct notes.
Two-tone cases in vintage watches not only have a certain graphic beauty but the mix of a white metal (steel, white gold, platinum) with a coloured metal (pink or yellow gold) gives the watch incredible presence on the wrist.
The present reference 4072 in steel with pink gold bezel, crown and chronograph pushers is a wonderful take on a classic design with a twist
The addition of an exquisite two-tone champagne dial to an already perfect equation elevates this watch to bombastic heights.
Rolex ref 6062 in steel
Lot 12
Reference 6062 is somewhat a transitional model for Rolex before the brand fully concentrated on tool watches.
Launched in the early 1950s, it still retains the classical triple calendar dial design but in the signature Rolex oyster case. It was and remains the most complicated Rolex wristwatch.
Reference 6062 is one of two Rolex models to feature a triple calendar complication with a moon phase complication.
While reference 6062 features a screw-down Oyster caseback, reference 8171 features a snap-on caseback.
The present example is not only fresh to the market but it is without doubt one of the best example models to come to market.
George Daniels Anniversary in Platinum
Lot 23
For enthusiasts and collectors, any George Daniels timepiece is the pinnacle of watch collecting. Over the course of his lifetime, only 24 unique pocket watches were entirely hand made by him, in addition to two completely unique, hand‐made wristwatches.
Only two serially produced, limited-edition models were developed under his leadership and bearing his signature – the George Daniels Millennium launched in 1998 with just over 50 examples made, and the George Daniels Anniversary watch launched in 2010, with just 47 examples to be completed.
The present Anniversary is not only one of only four platinum examples to be made, but it is also the very first one, bearing the number 01.
Breguet Ref 3237
Lot 30
Reference 3237 was in production for most of the 1990s, and it is without a doubt a champion of the era, interpreting it flawlessly thanks to the coin-edge case and engine-turned dial.
Immediately apparent even at the most cursory glance, the minute and hour tracks are printed in silver over a solid lapis lazuli. The aesthetic impact of this detail – which comes to dominate and dictate the looks of the entire watch – cannot be overstated, likewise the technical achievement of cutting out the lapis lazuli wafer in this very specific and unusual shape.
This relatively small yet important element makes this watch one of the most elusive and collectible representative not only of this reference but of the entire Breguet modern production as well.
Vianney Halter Trio
Lot 146
Vianney Halter is more than a watchmaker, he is a mélange of inventor, mad scientist and time traveller!
His watches are definitely inspired by the science fiction steampunk imagery of the 19th century with their original shapes, porthole dials and riveted cases.
He is considered as one of the founders of Modern Independent Creative Horology.
The Trio follows Halter's design ethos with his signature portholes and rivets. The watch indicates hours/minutes, seconds, and outsized date via four different portholes.
The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII on 3 and 4 November. See all the lots here.
