Day: 9 November 2026

Phillips’ recent Geneva watch auction shattered records, amassing a staggering $112.3 million, with the average lot fetching $517,406. However, shifting dynamics are emerging as New York, leveraging rising tariffs and a fluctuating dollar, has overtaken Geneva in average prices per lot. The upcoming December auction in New York is set to be the most valuable ever held in the US, featuring rare pieces such as a pink gold Patek Philippe expected to surpass $3 million. As American collectors adapt to the evolving landscape, the auction scene is poised for a significant transformation.

The luxury watch market has reached unprecedented heights, with the recent Phillips Geneva Watch Auction grossing a record $112.3 million and six watches sold for over $10 million. The auction, which set 24 world records, witnessed François-Paul Journe’s Chronomètre à Résonance fetch the highest price at CHF 8.68 million ($10.59 million). Collectors are increasingly drawn to independent makers like F.P. Journe, alongside classic brands such as Patek Philippe and Rolex, signaling a transformative moment in high-end timepiece sales.

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The Women in Watches event held in Miami on November 6 drew attention to the significant contributions of women in the watch industry. Featuring two engaging panel discussions, the first addressed career pathways and leadership opportunities for women in watchmaking, while the second explored the evolving preferences of female consumers in the luxury watch market. With insights from industry leaders and support from key sponsors, the event highlighted the pressing need for brands to adapt to changing tastes and enhance female representation within the sector.

The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) continues to make waves in the watchmaking community, garnering attention for both its prestigious accolades and the criticisms that accompany them. With major brands like Rolex and Omega sitting out this year’s competition, the awards predominantly reflect a high-end niche, with an average winning timepiece price soaring to CHF 453,458. While noteworthy brands such as Audemars Piguet and Louis Vuitton earned accolades, the event raises questions about its representation of the broader industry landscape, particularly when the majority of winners are priced well above CHF 20,000. The GPHG remains a symbol of luxury, but whether it signifies the pulse of modern horology is up for debate.