Story Highlight
– Phillips to auction Rolex Daytonas for charity on September 28.
– Proceeds support Federer Foundation and Re:wild organization.
– Unique F.P. Journe chronograph auctioned for Prince Albert II Foundation.
– F.P. Journe’s new classic chronograph features traditional layout.
– Demand for F.P. Journe watches reaching record levels.
Full Story
On September 28, the auction house Phillips is set to auction a unique collection of four gem-set Rolex Daytonas, with all proceeds contributed to the Federer Foundation, led by Roger Federer, and Re:wild, an environmental charity co-founded by Leonardo DiCaprio.
The excitement surrounding this auction, unveiled at Watches and Wonders in April, has surged, with reports indicating over 1,000 interested buyers ready to invest CHF 4 million for the lot. However, Rolex opted to sell these exclusive pieces at a charitable auction rather than designate them to select high-net-worth individuals.
Following the Rolex Daytona event, Phillips is likely to attract attention from the same collector community in November with the sale of an exceptional F.P. Journe chronograph in Singapore. Proceeds from this auction will benefit the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
François-Paul Journe, alongside H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, presented this one-off timepiece at the Riva Aquarama Lounge in the Yacht Club de Monaco. It will feature prominently during the Voyage Extraordinaire gala dinner at Raffles Sentosa, marking the foundation’s 20th anniversary.
This charity watch marks a significant development for F.P. Journe. Although the brand has produced various sophisticated models, including rattrapante and flyback chronographs, this piece is described by Journe as a classic chronograph. The traditional design features a central seconds hand, a 30-minute counter at three o’clock, and a small seconds display at nine o’clock, balanced by a large date indicator at six o’clock. Crafted in a robust 42mm case of 18ct gold and platinum, the watch presents a rich burgundy lacquered finish adorned with numerals inspired by ancient Chinese oracle bones.
F.P. Journe’s rise in the watchmaking industry has been nothing short of remarkable, with unprecedented demand for its pieces this year, resulting in numerous auction records. In May, a Chronomètre à Résonance Souscription No. 007 fetched an astonishing $13.9 million at Phillips New York, becoming the highest-priced F.P. Journe sold at auction, alongside records for independent watchmakers in the Americas. This sale followed the December 2025 auction of Francis Ford Coppola’s unique F.P. Journe FFC Prototype, which also broke previous records.
The market for F.P. Journe watches appears robust, with Phillips set to auction what is believed to be the earliest commercially delivered Chronomètre à Résonance at its Geneva Watch Auction XXIV in November. This timepiece, numbered 022/99R, has an estimated value of CHF 500,000 to CHF 1 million, though it is anticipated to sell for significantly more.
