Phillips Shatters Another Watch Auction Record Again With the New York Watch Auction: XIV

Summary

• Phillips’ New York Watch Auction: XIV reached a historic $75.8 million USD in sales, with 100% lots sold
• An F.P. Journe “Souscription” set an independent record at $13.9 million USD
• Other highlights include Eric Clapton’s Patek Philippe reference that fetched $5.2 million USD

Following the monumental sale of a Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 that became the highest-value timepiece ever sold in Asia, Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo has concluded its spring 2026 season with another historic milestone. Held on June 13 and 14, The New York Watch Auction: XIV realized a staggering $75.8 million USD, more than doubling its high estimate and setting a new record for the most successful watch auction in US history. The 100%- sold, “white glove” event marks five and a half consecutive years of completely sold-out live watch auctions for Phillips New York. Crucially, this historic total helped the auction house achieve an industry first: selling three individual watches for over $10 million USD in a single season across Geneva, Hong Kong and New York.

The undeniable crown jewel of the New York sale was the exceedingly rare F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription, No. 007”. Introduced in 2000, this technical marvel utilizes dual escapements in natural resonance to enhance chronometry. Representing one of only 20 early “Souscription” models made for founding clients – and one of just two known examples combining a platinum and pink gold case with a pink gold dial – the fresh-to-market timepiece sparked a nine-minute bidding war. It ultimately sold for an astounding $13.9 million USD, breaking the world auction record for any independent watchmaker and becoming the most expensive 21st-century watch ever sold in a commercial auction. F.P. Journe dominated the two-day event, with 100 percent of the maker’s lots selling above estimates, including a Tourbillon Souverain Anniversaire “Hong Kong” that fetched nearly $4.4 million USD.

Patek Philippe also maintained its commanding presence, building on the momentum of its recent record-breaking Asian result. A major highlight was a possibly unique 2008 Patek Philippe Ref. 5004G-020, originally commissioned by legendary musician Eric Clapton. Distinguished by its white gold case, “rose” dial, applied Breguet numeral 12, and tachymeter scale, this serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph with split seconds realized $5.2 million USD, ranking as the highest result ever achieved for the model. Additionally, a remarkably rare 1948 Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 cased in 18k pink gold – one of approximately 58 believed to exist in this precious metal – commanded just under $4 million USD, further solidifying the brand’s enduring blue-chip status.

Beyond the established giants, the auction underscored a surging, deep-pocketed appreciation for contemporary independent watchmaking. An exceptional Kari Voutilainen Masterpiece Chronograph II, numbered 1 of just 10 pieces produced circa 2012, realized $1.8 million USD against a low estimate of $120,000 USD, setting a new world record for the brand. Similarly, collectors fiercely contested a Roger Smith Ref. Series 3 “Unique Piece,” which ultimately achieved a world-record price of $1.2 million USD and highlighted the global demand for British horology. In total, sixteen exceptional timepieces crossed the $1 million USD threshold over the weekend, definitively proving the immense confidence and depth at the absolute pinnacle of the modern watch-collecting market.