Story Highlight
– Phillips’ auction features rare F.P. Journe timepieces.
– Auction scheduled for November 21 and 22 in Hong Kong.
– Independent watchmaking highlighted for uniqueness and storytelling.
– “Mark Cho Special” Chronomètre estimated up to HK$12 million.
– Public preview available from November 16 to 22.
Full Story
Phillips is set to host an exceptional watch auction in Hong Kong next month, showcasing a remarkable selection of rare timepieces from esteemed independent makers, including notable contributions from F.P. Journe, Kari Voutilainen, Beat Haldimann, Théo Auffret, and Kiu Tai Yu.
Scheduled for November 21 and 22, The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XXIII will place a spotlight on independent horology, which has continued to attract collectors due to its unique blend of scarcity, creativity, and intimate narratives.
“The independent watchmaking category continues to captivate collectors through its extraordinary combination of rarity, innovation, and deeply personal storytelling,” commented Thomas Perazzi, Head of Watches, Asia. Gertrude Wong, Head of Sale for Phillips Watches, echoed his sentiments, stating, “The watches presented in this selection exemplify the very qualities that make independent horology so compelling today, from unique commissions and important early production pieces to fresh-to-the-market discoveries of exceptional provenance.”
F.P. Journe remains a central figure in this auction, having achieved remarkable sales results in 2026. Notably, Phillips auctioned three historic Chronomètre à Résonance watches for more than $23 million, including the Souscription No. 007, which fetched $13.9 million in May—the highest price ever paid for a piece from an independent watchmaker in the United States.
With multiple F.P. Journe pieces on offer, the upcoming auction promises excitement for collectors eager to acquire these prestigious timepieces. One highlight is the Chronomètre à Résonance “Mark Cho Special,” commissioned by Mark Cho, co-founder of The Armoury. As one of just five in existence, this platinum watch features a unique 38mm “Parking Meter” Résonance case and boasts a navy blue dial with vintage patina influences. It carries an estimate of HK$6 million to HK$12 million (approximately US$769,000 to US$1.54 million), with its serial number 168 coinciding with the street number of The Armoury’s flagship New York location.
Another significant offering is the Tourbillon Souverain, dating back to 2001. This platinum timepiece, a rare early model, boasts a shiny yellow gold dial, one of only nine documented pieces. It is expected to reach HK$3.9 million to HK$11.6 million (around US$500,000 to US$1.49 million).
Further notable lots include the Kari Voutilainen Vingt-8, crafted from titanium and being one of only two special commissions of this kind. Estimated at HK$1.5 million to HK$2.5 million (approximately US$192,000 to US$321,000), this watch features a hand-guilloché blue enamel dial with the maker’s signature instead of the usual logo.
Additionally, a Beat Haldimann H1 Flying Central Tourbillon from “The PuristS Edition” Series 2 will be presented fresh to the market. Created in a limited run of just eight pieces across both series, this platinum watch is expected to garner between HK$1 million and HK$2 million (US$128,000 to US$256,000).
The auction will also see the debut of a Théo Auffret Tourbillon à Paris Subscription No. 18. This titanium model, the first of its kind to be auctioned, is estimated to sell for HK$900,000 to HK$1.8 million (around US$115,000 to US$231,000) and features a hand-guilloché dial, making it one of only two such examples.
A public preview of The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XXIII will be available from November 16 to 22 at WKCDA Tower, leading up to the event itself.
