Showing posts with label Phillips Auction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phillips Auction. Show all posts

Monday, July 6, 2026

The Foundacion Kahlo in Collaboration with Phillips Auction House Announcement of the First Kahlo Art Prize

 The Foundacion for Mexican Art and Culture, and Phillips are accepting submissions in November 2026. This is an exceptional opportunity to apply for the Kahlo Art Prize for  emerging Mexican artists. Information for applications, and other information are below. This will be great art fun to follow,  


 

FUNDACIÓN KAHLO

IN COLLABORATION WITH PHILLIPS AUCTION HOUSE

ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF THE INAUGURAL

KAHLO ART PRIZE

CELEBRATING EMERGING MEXICAN ARTISTS

 

FIRST RECIPIENT OF THE $50,000 BIENNIAL AWARD

WILL BE NAMED ON JULY 6, 2027

 

INTERNATIONAL SUBMISSION PROCESS BEGINS IN NOVEMBER 2026

 


 

 On the occasion of Frida Kahlo’s birthday, Fundación Kahlo officially announced today the inaugural Kahlo Art Prize, an international biennial award created to celebrate and elevate the work of emerging contemporary Mexican artists. The inaugural prize will include a $50,000 USD financial stipend, as well as opportunities for the recipient’s work to be exhibited in New York as well as at Museo Casa Kahlo, the recently opened museum in Coyoacán, Mexico City, dedicated to the family life and legacy of Frida Kahlo. Phillips Auction House is proud to be a sponsor.

 

The first recipient of the Kahlo Art Prize will be named on July 6, 2027, in Coyoacan on the site of Museo Casa Kahlo.

 

The Art Prize jury will be led by Magalí Arriola, the former director of Museo Tamayo in Mexico City.  For more than 30 years Ms. Arriola’s projects have navigated the intersection of art and politics.

 

Submissions for the prize will be open beginning in November of this year. The Kahlo Art Prize will celebrate an eligible artist who is a Mexican national, with the inaugural prize focused on two-dimensional artwork only. More details will be announced shortly, with full submission and entry rules available (beginning in November) at fundacionkahlo.org/kahloartprize.

 

“Through the process of opening the museo and welcoming the globe into Frida’s world, there has been one constant refrain: Más amor, más família, más Mexico – more love, more family, more Mexico,” said Mara Romeo Kahlo, Frida’s closest living relative and heir. “As a lifelong teacher, Frida was devoted to the idea of elevating and celebrating other artists, and that is at the heart of the Kahlo Art Prize.”

 

At an event at the Museo celebrating Frida’s birthday, Rick Miramontez, Chairman of Fundación Kahlo, stated, "Frida Kahlo believed that art came from living one's truth with courage and authenticity. This prize honors that spirit by investing not only in artistic excellence, but in the next generation of Mexican voices whose work will shape our culture for decades to come. Through the Kahlo Art Prize, Fundación Kahlo celebrates Frida's enduring legacy by helping to encourage and ensure that the future of Mexican art is as bold, original, and fearless as she was.”

 

Miety Heiden, Chairman, Private Sales, Phillips, said, "Few artists have had the lasting impact of Frida Kahlo. Generations after her lifetime, her work continues to shape cultural conversations and inspire new artistic voices. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Fundación Kahlo on the Kahlo Art Prize and to help create a platform for emerging Mexican artists. Supporting artists at pivotal moments in their careers is central to what we do, and this initiative reflects our continued commitment."

 

Since opening in fall 2025, Museo Casa Kahlo has been spotlit as one of TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2026, Time Out’s 26 Best Things to Do in the World in 2026, and on J.P. Morgan’s NextList 2026, highlighting cutting-edge experiences at the forefront of arts and culture.

 

Casa Roja, as the museum is affectionately called, was a private home owned by the Kahlo family for generations before its life as a museum. With a visual identity developed by Pentagram and restoration design by Mexico-based architect Mariana Doet Zepeda Orozco and Rockwell Group’s David Rockwell, the museo provides a roster of events supporting and amplifying local Mexican culture.  Adán García Farjado serves as the museum’s Director.

 

Museo Casa Kahlo is supported in part by Fundación Kahlo, the New York City-based nonprofit organization created with the Kahlo family to support the arts and Mexican culture in the spirit of Frida herself.

 

Fundación Kahlo was established by the Kahlo family to preserve Frida Kahlo’s legacy, with particular focus on Mexican arts, culture, community enrichment, and philanthropy. The family values creativity, authenticity, resilience, inclusivity, community, and global awareness. Since its creation in May 2025, the Fundación has worked to support those values by actively engaging with supporters of the arts in Mexico, the United States, and around the world in its philanthropic endeavors.  The Fundación’s Board of Directors includes Ms. Romeo Kahlo (President), David Rockwell and Thomas Schumacher.

 

Ileen Gallagher is its Creative Director, and Mara De Anda is Program Director.  The Advisory Board includes Frida Hentschel Romeo, founder of Corazon Kahlo; Hedda Moye Leonardi, Global Advisor; and Deborah Sass, Endowment Executive.

 

For inquiries regarding Fundación Kahlo, please contact sam@kahlofoundation.org.

 

 

BIOGRAPHIES:

 

Magalí Arriola

Magali Arriola is a writer and curator based in Mexico City. For more than thirty years, her projects have navigated the intersection of art and politics, championing how artistic practices reveal broader social, economic, and historical contexts. Through leadership at institutions such as Museo Tamayo in Mexico City (Director, 2019-2025), ArtBasel Miami (Meridians, 2019-2023), and KADIST collection in San Francisco and Paris (Lead Curator for Latin America, 2017-2020), she has consistently supported experimental practices that question how meaning is produced and disseminated in both local and global art circuits. Arriola was curator of the Mexican Pavilion at the 58 Venice Biennial (2019) and the 8th Panama Biennial (2008). Her exhibitions have been presented in institutions such as Museo Tamayo, Museo Jumex, MAM Medellín, MoMA PS1, SMAK, and Kunst Institute Melly (formerly known as Witte de With). She has extensively written for books and catalogues and has contributed to publications such as ArtForum, Frieze, Mousse, Manifesta Journal, and The Exhibitionist, among others.  

 

Miety Heiden 

Miety Heiden is Phillips’ Chairman, Private Sales. She joined the company in March of 2017 and has played a crucial role in developing the auction house’s private sales and business development efforts. She manages relationships with many of the world’s top collectors and sources exceptional works from all over the globe. During her tenure, Phillips’ annual Private Sales total has increased by 46%. Before she arrived at Phillips, Ms. Heiden was Sotheby’s Senior Vice President and Head of Contemporary Private Sales for North America. Ms. Heiden contributed to business development and managed client relationships for the New York and Hong Kong contemporary art evening and day sales, as well as focusing on emerging markets. Ms. Heiden created Sotheby’s S2 Gallery, an art gallery with locations in New York, London and Hong Kong. During her time leading S2, the gallery organized very successful selling exhibitions dedicated to artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Alexander Calder, and Yoshitomo Nara. 

 

 

# # # # #

 

www.instagram.com/fundacionkahlo

www.fundacionkahlo.org

 

www.instagram.com/museocasakahlo

www.museocasakahlo.org



 


Thursday, June 25, 2026

Phillips Auction set new sales record prices for editions & works on paper in June


 

 

STRONG PRICES AND 20 NEW RECORDS SET IN PHILLIPS’ JUNE EDITIONS & WORKS ON PAPER SALE SHOWCASE THE STRENGTH OF THE MARKET FOR EDITIONS

 

America 250, A Dedicated Chapter of the Auction Celebrating the Country’s 250th Anniversary, Sells 100% by Lot, Led by Roy Lichtenstein’s I Love Liberty

 

Competitive Bidding Drives Strong Results for Roy Lichtenstein, Damien Hirst, 

Alex Katz, Robert Rauschenberg, and Joel Mesler, Among Others

 

New York, 24 June 2026 

Sale Total: $1,444,026 / £1,096,858 / €1,271,711

 

Lots Sold: 140 | Lots Offered: 157

Sold by Lot: 89% | Sold by Value: 97% 

 

Lot 1

Roy Lichtenstein 

I Love Liberty, 1982

Estimate: $40,000–60,000

Sold for $212,850

Damien Hirst

The Souls on Jacob’s Ladder Take Their Flight, 2007

Estimate: $80,000–120,000

Sold for $122,550

 

Kelly Troester and Cary Leibowitz, Deputy Chairpersons and Worldwide Co-Heads of Editions, said, This afternoon’s sale opened with great enthusiasm for AMERICA 250, a dedicated section that brought together a dynamic group of works reflecting the complexity and richness of American visual culture in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary. We were thrilled to see such strong engagement from collectors, with the section achieving a 100% sell-through rate, led by Roy Lichtenstein’s I Love Liberty, which realized more than five times its estimate to lead the sale, and Robert Rauschenberg’s Signs, which achieved over four times its pre-sale expectations. Momentum continued with especially strong interest for the contemporary works in today’s auction. The selection of works by Damien Hirst saw solid results, led by The Souls on Jacob’s Ladder Take Their Flight at $122,550. Joel Mesler’s Untitled (Pool Party) drew fierce competition on the phones and online, nearly tripling its low estimate at $28,380. Overall, the sale reflected a vibrant start to the summer season, with 97% sold by value showed strong participation and spirited bidding underscoring the continued depth of demand across the editions market. We look forward to the fall season beginning in September with Editions auctions in London and October in New York.”

 

 

Top Ten Lots

Lot

Description

Estimate 

Price Achieved

9

Roy Lichtenstein, I Love Liberty, 1982

$40,000–60,000

$212,850

40

Damien Hirst, The Souls on Jacob’s Ladder Take Their Flight, 2007

$80,000–120,000

$122,550

13

Robert Rauschenberg, Signs, 1970

$25,000–35,000

$109,650

92

Alex Katz, Flowers, 2021

$50,000–70,000

$64,500

30

After Jean-Michel Basquiat, Piano Lesson, from Superhero Portfolio, 1982-87/2022

$40,000–60,000

$41,280

39

Damien Hirst, Methamphetamine, 2004

$20,000–30,000

$41,280

20

Andy Warhol, Van Heusen (Ronald Reagan), from Ads, 1985 

$25,000–35,000

$33,540

96

Gerhard Richter, Abstraktes Bild, 1990/2014

$20,000–30,000

$33,540

25

Joel Mesler, Pool Party, 2025

$10,000–15,000

$28,380

27

Mel Bochner, It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This, 2014

$20,000–30,000

$28,380

 

New Auction Record Highlights

Lot

Description

Estimate 

Price Achieved

9

Roy Lichtenstein, I Love Liberty, 1982

WORLD RECORD FOR THE EDITION

$40,000–60,000

$212,850

 

*previous record price: $165,000 set in 2005 

40

Damien Hirst, The Souls on Jacob’s Ladder Take Their Flight, 2007

WORLD RECORD FOR THE EDITION

$80,000–120,000

$122,550

 

*previous record price: $95,000 set in 2009 

13

Robert Rauschenberg, Signs, 1970

WORLD RECORD FOR THE EDITION

$25,000–35,000

$109,650

 

*previous record price: $85,000 set in 2023 

2

Ed Ruscha, Made in U.S.A. or America, Her Best Product, from Kent Bicentennial Portfolio: Spirit of Independence, 1974-75

WORLD RECORD FOR THE EDITION

$12,000–18,000

$24,510

 

*previous record price: $19,000 set in 2009

91

Chuck Close, Self-Portrait, 2015

WORLD RECORD FOR THE EDITION

$10,000–15,000

$23,220

 

*previous record price: $18,000 set in 2025

 

Exchange Rate on 24 JUNE 2026: US$1 = £1.317, €1.159, HK$7.840

 

 

ABOUT PHILLIPS

Phillips: where the world’s curious and bold connect with the art, design, and luxury that inspires them. As a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century works, Phillips offers dedicated expertise in the areas of Modern and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewels. Auctions and exhibitions are primarily held in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, with representative offices based throughout Europe, the United States, and Asia. Phillips offers a regular selection of live and online auctions, along with items available for immediate purchase. Phillips also offers a range of services and advice on all aspects of collecting, including private sales and assistance with appraisals, valuations, and financial planning.

Visit phillips.com for further information.

 

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium.

 


PHILLIPS NEW YORK – 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022

PHILLIPS LONDON – 30 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EX

PHILLIPS HONG KONG G/F, WKCDA Tower, West Kowloon Cultural District, No. 8 Austin Road, West Kowloon

 

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Sunday, June 14, 2026

Phillips Austion, with Bacs & Russo shatter the collectable watch auction market!!!!

 



 

TWICE IN SIX MONTHS — PHILLIPS SHATTERS RECORD FOR THE MOST SUCCESSFUL WATCH AUCTION IN US HISTORY 

 

THE NEW YORK WATCH AUCTION: XIV ACHIEVES $75.8 MILLION, MARKING FIVE AND A HALF CONSECUTIVE YEARS OF 

100%-SOLD “WHITE GLOVE” LIVE WATCH AUCTIONS FOR PHILLIPS NEW YORK

 

AN INDUSTRY FIRST — PHILLIPS SELLS THREE WATCHES FOR OVER $10 MILLION IN A SINGLE SEASON ACROSS ALL THREE CONTINENTS

 

F.P.Journe Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription, No. 007” Soars To $13.9 Million – Highest Result of the Spring Season Across the Industry – Breaking World Auction Record for the Maker, for any Watch by an Independent Watchmaker, and for any 21st Century Watch in a Commercial Sale 

 

16 Watches Sell Above $1 Million, with Multiple World Record Prices Achieved for  Voutilainen, Roger Smith, Urban Jurgensen, and Patek Philippe Across the Board

 

New York, 13–14 June 2026

Sale Total: $ 75,807,200/ CHF 60,418,733/ £ 56,549,459/ €65,539,182

 

Lots Sold: 158 | Lots Offered: 158

Sold by Lot: 100% | Sold by Value: 100% 

NEW YORK — 14 JUNE 2026 — Closing out a record-breaking season of watch auctions at Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, The New York Watch Auction: XIV achieved $75.8 million, more-than-doubling the sale’s high estimate and shattering the record total for a watch auction in the US, an achievement previously set by Phillips just six months ago. The auction was led by the exceedingly rare, F.P.Journe Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription, No. 007” in pink gold and platinum, which skyrocketed to $13.9 million after nearly nine minutes of bidding, setting a new record for any independent watchmaker, as well as for any 21st century watch in a commercial auction. The sale marks a historic milestone for watch auctions in which Phillips has sold three watches for over $10 million in a single season in Geneva, Hong Kong, and New York — an industry first. This sale also achieved prices above $1 million for sixteen timepieces, including those by F.P.Journe, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Voutilainen, Richard Mille, Roger Smith, and Urban Jürgensen. With 100% of lots selling, The New York Watch Auction: XIV also marks five and a half consecutive years of “white glove” live auctions for Phillips New York, capping off an extraordinary season and underscoring the strength of the market for watches across the globe. 

 

Paul Boutros, Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas, and Isabella Proia, Head of Sale and Senior International Specialist, said, “This season’s results in New York mark a watershed moment for the watch market. To once again break the record for the most valuable watch auction ever held in the United States—just six months after establishing the previous benchmark—speaks to the remarkable confidence and depth at the very pinnacle of collecting. The industry-leading, $13.9 million result for the F.P.Journe Souscription Résonance stands as a historic achievement, not only for the brand but for the entire field of independent watchmaking. Across the sale, from a museum-quality Patek Philippe to the most revered contemporary independents, we witnessed spirited, global competition, as bidders from a third of the world’s countries vied for these important timepieces, driven by rarity, provenance, and uncompromising craftsmanship. Phillips’ unprecedented milestone of selling three watches above $10 million in a single season firmly underscores the commitment of our team — passionate collectors ourselves — to quality and excellence, as well as the enduring cultural significance of the extraordinary timepieces.”

 

Leading the auction was F.P.Journe’s Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription, No. 007,” which realized $13.9 million. Introduced in 2000, the Résonance was a technical breakthrough, using dual escapements in natural resonance for enhanced chronometry. This early Souscription piece—one of just 20 made for founding clients—is amongst the rarest, with No. 007 being one of only two known examples in platinum and pink gold with a pink gold dial. Appearing publicly for the first time and fresh-to-market, it represents a landmark of independent watchmaking. F.P.Journe realized strong prices across the two-day sale wdith the results for 100% of lots by the maker far surpassing their estimates. A Chronomètre Souverain “Nacre” kicked off the auction as Lot 1, achieving $508,000 against a low estimate of $60,000, and momentum only grew, as an Octa Chronographe “38MM” later sold for $711,200, nearly nine times its estimate, followed by a Tourbillon Souverain Anniversaire “Hong Kong”, "Number 1 of 5” at $4.4 million.  These results are a testament to the surging demand for F.P.Journe, following several recent record-setting results at Phillips.

 

With F.P.Journe leading the charge, independent makers shined throughout the auction, underscoring the market’s deep appreciation for the finest contemporary independent watchmakers. Numbered 1 of just 10 pieces, an exceptional Kari Voutilainen Masterpiece Chronograph realized $1.8 million against a low estimate of $120,000.  As the earliest example of the series, this number 1 example holds particular significance—its rarity, artisanal craftsmanship, and importance within Voutilainen’s oeuvre culminating in a world-record result for the maker. Collectors also competed fiercely for Roger Smith’s Ref. Series 3 “Unique Piece,” leading to a final world-record price of $1.2 million, showcasing the enduring appreciation for British Watchmaking across the globe. 

 

Patek Philippe figured prominently in The New York Watch Auction: XIV, as well. An extraordinary reference 1518 in pink gold from 1948—among the finest and most important examples of the reference ever to surface—realized nearly $4 million, underscoring the enduring strength of the brand. Introduced in 1941 as the world’s first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch, the 1518 stands as a cornerstone of 20th-century horology and the foundation for Patek Philippe’s most celebrated complicated chronographs. Of the approximately 281 examples produced, only around 58 are believed to have been cased in pink gold, making the example offered at Phillips exceptionally rare.

 

Likewise delivering a landmark result after a five-minute bidding war, a possibly unique Patek Philippe reference 5004G-020 made for Eric Clapton achieved $5.2 million, more than seven times its $700,000 low estimate, ranking as the highest result ever for the model. The reference 5004, Patek Philippe’s first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph with split seconds, is here elevated by its provenance, having been commissioned by Clapton. Further distinguished by its white gold case with “rose” dial, applied Breguet numeral 12, and tachymeter scale—the first known example of this configuration to appear publicly—this fresh-to-market, full-set watch combines rarity, technical significance, and celebrated ownership. 

 

The Ref. 5004G-020 “Eric Clapton” is just one of several watches with extraordinary provenance commanding top dollar throughout the sale. A historically important Tiffany & Co.–signed Patek Philippe wristwatch once owned by Paul Starrett, the master builder behind the Empire State Building and many of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, achieved $292,100 against its low estimate of $15,000, selling to a bidder on the phonebanks after nearly five minutes of bidding. Produced in 1929 and sold by Tiffany & Co. in November 1930, the watch was acquired as Starrett oversaw the construction of what would become the world’s tallest building, its sale now coming on the occasion of the United States’ 250th anniversary. Fresh-to-the-market and offered directly by his grandson, the watch offered a rare opportunity to acquire a tangible piece of New York City history.

 

 

Top Ten Lots

Lot

Description

Estimate 

Price Achieved

10

F.P.JOURNE, Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription, No. 007”, circa 2000

WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR A WATCH BY F.P.JOURNE AND WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR A WATCH BY AN INDEPENDENT WATCHMAKER

In excess of $1,000,000

$13,922,000

88

PATEK PHILIPPE, Ref. 5004G-020 “Eric Clapton”, 2008

WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR THE MODEL 

$700,000–1,400,000

$5,202,000

85

F.P.JOURNE, Tourbillon Souverain Anniversaire “Hong Kong”, "Number 1 of 5”, circa 2010

WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR THE MODEL

$600,000–1,200,000

$4,355,000

101

PATEK PHILIPPE, Ref. 1518 in 18 karat rose gold with silver dial, 1948

WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR THE CONFIGURATION

$1,200,000–2,400,000

$3,992,000

83

F.P.JOURNE, Octa Chronographe “Swiss FineTiming”, 2008

WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR THE MODEL

$200,000–400,000

$2,032,000

79

F.P.JOURNE, Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique “T30”, 2014

WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR THE MODEL

$600,000–1,200,000

$2,032,000

84

F.P.JOURNE, Chronomètre Souverain “Swiss FineTiming”, 2008

WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR THE MODEL

$100,000–200,000

$1,968,500

105

VOUTILAINEN, Masterpiece Chronograph II “Number 1 of 10”, circa 2012

WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR THE BRAND

$120,000–240,000

$1,841,500

31

ROLEX, Ref. 6241 Cosmograph Daytona “John Player Special”, circa 1969

$700,000–1,400,000

$1,803,400

109

RICHARD MILLE, Ref. RM52-01 AN RG-TZP RM52-01 Tourbillon “Skull, Piece Unique”, 2016

$400,000–800,000

$1,397,000

 

 

 

Exchange Rate on 13 June 2026: US$1 = CHF0.7970, € 0.8644, £0.7459

ABOUT PHILLIPS IN ASSOCIATION WITH BACS & RUSSO

The team of specialists at Phillips Watches is dedicated to an uncompromised approach to quality, transparency, and client service. Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo holds the world record for the most successful watch auction, with its DECADE ONE (2015–2025) sale having realized $83 million in 2025. The annual total for watch auctions in 2025 exceeded $290 million, marking the first time any auction house's Watches department has surpassed US$200 million in annual sales for five consecutive years. The spring 2026 season at Phillips has achieved $235.5 million, selling three watches above $10 million — an industry first.  

 

Record–breaking prices include:

 

1. Paul Newman’s Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona reference 6239 (CHF 17,709,894 / US$17,752,500) – New York Auction: Winning Icons – 26 October 2017 – Highest result ever achieved for any vintage wristwatch at auction. 

 

2. Patek Philippe reference 1518 in stainless steel (CHF 11,020,000 / US$11,112,020) – Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR – 12 November 2016 – Highest result ever achieved for a vintage Patek Philippe wristwatch at auction.

 

ABOUT PHILLIPS

Phillips: where the world’s curious and bold connect with the art, design, and luxury that inspires them. As a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century works, Phillips offers dedicated expertise in the areas of Modern and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewels. Auctions and exhibitions are primarily held in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, with representative offices based throughout Europe, the United States, and Asia. Phillips offers a regular selection of live and online auctions, along with items available for immediate purchase. Phillips also offers a range of services and advice on all aspects of collecting, including private sales and assistance with appraisals, valuations, and financial planning.

Visit phillips.com for further information.

 

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium.

 

PRESS CONTACTS:            

GENEVA – Marine Lemonnier-Brennan, Consultant                               marine.lemonnier@289consulting.com                                        

                   Aude Campanelli, Consultant                                                 aude.campanelli@289consulting.com                                                           

 

LONDON – Katie Carder, Head of Press and Corporate Communications, Europe           kcarder@phillips.com

                   Anna Passmore, Senior Press Officer                                                        apassmore@phillips.com

 

NEW YORK – Jaime Israni, Head of PR and Corporate Communications, Americas          jisrani@phillips.com  

                        Paul Lerner, Consultant                             plerner@optimistconsulting.com

                        Katie Zoni, PR Manager                                                                                 kzoni@phillips.com  

 

HONG KONG – Ingrid Hsu, Head of PR and Corporate Communications, Asia             ingridhsu@phillips.com

                          Jiayi Zhang, Public Relations Coordinator                                           jiayizhang@phillips.com

 

PHILLIPS NEW YORK – 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022

PHILLIPS LONDON – 30 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EX

PHILLIPS HONG KONG G/F, WKCDA Tower, West Kowloon Cultural District, No. 8 Austin Road, West Kowloon

PHILLIPS GENEVA – Rue de la Confédération, 7 Geneva 1204


PRESS RELEASE

 

TWICE IN SIX MONTHS — PHILLIPS SHATTERS RECORD FOR THE MOST SUCCESSFUL WATCH AUCTION IN US HISTORY 

 

THE NEW YORK WATCH AUCTION: XIV ACHIEVES $75.8 MILLION, MARKING FIVE AND A HALF CONSECUTIVE YEARS OF 

100%-SOLD “WHITE GLOVE” LIVE WATCH AUCTIONS FOR PHILLIPS NEW YORK

 

AN INDUSTRY FIRST — PHILLIPS SELLS THREE WATCHES FOR OVER $10 MILLION IN A SINGLE SEASON ACROSS ALL THREE CONTINENTS

 

F.P.Journe Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription, No. 007” Soars To $13.9 Million – Highest Result of the Spring Season Across the Industry – Breaking World Auction Record for the Maker, for any Watch by an Independent Watchmaker, and for any 21st Century Watch in a Commercial Sale 

 

16 Watches Sell Above $1 Million, with Multiple World Record Prices Achieved for  Voutilainen, Roger Smith, Urban Jurgensen, and Patek Philippe Across the Board

 

New York, 13–14 June 2026

Sale Total: $ 75,807,200/ CHF 60,418,733/ £ 56,549,459/ €65,539,182

 

Lots Sold: 158 | Lots Offered: 158

Sold by Lot: 100% | Sold by Value: 100% 

NEW YORK — 14 JUNE 2026 — Closing out a record-breaking season of watch auctions at Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, The New York Watch Auction: XIV achieved $75.8 million, more-than-doubling the sale’s high estimate and shattering the record total for a watch auction in the US, an achievement previously set by Phillips just six months ago. The auction was led by the exceedingly rare, F.P.Journe Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription, No. 007” in pink gold and platinum, which skyrocketed to $13.9 million after nearly nine minutes of bidding, setting a new record for any independent watchmaker, as well as for any 21st century watch in a commercial auction. The sale marks a historic milestone for watch auctions in which Phillips has sold three watches for over $10 million in a single season in Geneva, Hong Kong, and New York — an industry first. This sale also achieved prices above $1 million for sixteen timepieces, including those by F.P.Journe, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Voutilainen, Richard Mille, Roger Smith, and Urban Jürgensen. With 100% of lots selling, The New York Watch Auction: XIV also marks five and a half consecutive years of “white glove” live auctions for Phillips New York, capping off an extraordinary season and underscoring the strength of the market for watches across the globe. 

 

Paul Boutros, Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas, and Isabella Proia, Head of Sale and Senior International Specialist, said, “This season’s results in New York mark a watershed moment for the watch market. To once again break the record for the most valuable watch auction ever held in the United States—just six months after establishing the previous benchmark—speaks to the remarkable confidence and depth at the very pinnacle of collecting. The industry-leading, $13.9 million result for the F.P.Journe Souscription Résonance stands as a historic achievement, not only for the brand but for the entire field of independent watchmaking. Across the sale, from a museum-quality Patek Philippe to the most revered contemporary independents, we witnessed spirited, global competition, as bidders from a third of the world’s countries vied for these important timepieces, driven by rarity, provenance, and uncompromising craftsmanship. Phillips’ unprecedented milestone of selling three watches above $10 million in a single season firmly underscores the commitment of our team — passionate collectors ourselves — to quality and excellence, as well as the enduring cultural significance of the extraordinary timepieces.”

 

Leading the auction was F.P.Journe’s Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription, No. 007,” which realized $13.9 million. Introduced in 2000, the Résonance was a technical breakthrough, using dual escapements in natural resonance for enhanced chronometry. This early Souscription piece—one of just 20 made for founding clients—is amongst the rarest, with No. 007 being one of only two known examples in platinum and pink gold with a pink gold dial. Appearing publicly for the first time and fresh-to-market, it represents a landmark of independent watchmaking. F.P.Journe realized strong prices across the two-day sale wdith the results for 100% of lots by the maker far surpassing their estimates. A Chronomètre Souverain “Nacre” kicked off the auction as Lot 1, achieving $508,000 against a low estimate of $60,000, and momentum only grew, as an Octa Chronographe “38MM” later sold for $711,200, nearly nine times its estimate, followed by a Tourbillon Souverain Anniversaire “Hong Kong”, "Number 1 of 5” at $4.4 million.  These results are a testament to the surging demand for F.P.Journe, following several recent record-setting results at Phillips.

 

With F.P.Journe leading the charge, independent makers shined throughout the auction, underscoring the market’s deep appreciation for the finest contemporary independent watchmakers. Numbered 1 of just 10 pieces, an exceptional Kari Voutilainen Masterpiece Chronograph realized $1.8 million against a low estimate of $120,000.  As the earliest example of the series, this number 1 example holds particular significance—its rarity, artisanal craftsmanship, and importance within Voutilainen’s oeuvre culminating in a world-record result for the maker. Collectors also competed fiercely for Roger Smith’s Ref. Series 3 “Unique Piece,” leading to a final world-record price of $1.2 million, showcasing the enduring appreciation for British Watchmaking across the globe. 

 

Patek Philippe figured prominently in The New York Watch Auction: XIV, as well. An extraordinary reference 1518 in pink gold from 1948—among the finest and most important examples of the reference ever to surface—realized nearly $4 million, underscoring the enduring strength of the brand. Introduced in 1941 as the world’s first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch, the 1518 stands as a cornerstone of 20th-century horology and the foundation for Patek Philippe’s most celebrated complicated chronographs. Of the approximately 281 examples produced, only around 58 are believed to have been cased in pink gold, making the example offered at Phillips exceptionally rare.

 

Likewise delivering a landmark result after a five-minute bidding war, a possibly unique Patek Philippe reference 5004G-020 made for Eric Clapton achieved $5.2 million, more than seven times its $700,000 low estimate, ranking as the highest result ever for the model. The reference 5004, Patek Philippe’s first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph with split seconds, is here elevated by its provenance, having been commissioned by Clapton. Further distinguished by its white gold case with “rose” dial, applied Breguet numeral 12, and tachymeter scale—the first known example of this configuration to appear publicly—this fresh-to-market, full-set watch combines rarity, technical significance, and celebrated ownership. 

 

The Ref. 5004G-020 “Eric Clapton” is just one of several watches with extraordinary provenance commanding top dollar throughout the sale. A historically important Tiffany & Co.–signed Patek Philippe wristwatch once owned by Paul Starrett, the master builder behind the Empire State Building and many of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, achieved $292,100 against its low estimate of $15,000, selling to a bidder on the phonebanks after nearly five minutes of bidding. Produced in 1929 and sold by Tiffany & Co. in November 1930, the watch was acquired as Starrett oversaw the construction of what would become the world’s tallest building, its sale now coming on the occasion of the United States’ 250th anniversary. Fresh-to-the-market and offered directly by his grandson, the watch offered a rare opportunity to acquire a tangible piece of New York City history.

 

 

Top Ten Lots

Lot

Description

Estimate 

Price Achieved

10

F.P.JOURNE, Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription, No. 007”, circa 2000

WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR A WATCH BY F.P.JOURNE AND WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR A WATCH BY AN INDEPENDENT WATCHMAKER

In excess of $1,000,000

$13,922,000

88

PATEK PHILIPPE, Ref. 5004G-020 “Eric Clapton”, 2008

WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR THE MODEL 

$700,000–1,400,000

$5,202,000

85

F.P.JOURNE, Tourbillon Souverain Anniversaire “Hong Kong”, "Number 1 of 5”, circa 2010

WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR THE MODEL

$600,000–1,200,000

$4,355,000

101

PATEK PHILIPPE, Ref. 1518 in 18 karat rose gold with silver dial, 1948

WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR THE CONFIGURATION

$1,200,000–2,400,000

$3,992,000

83

F.P.JOURNE, Octa Chronographe “Swiss FineTiming”, 2008

WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR THE MODEL

$200,000–400,000

$2,032,000

79

F.P.JOURNE, Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique “T30”, 2014

WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR THE MODEL

$600,000–1,200,000

$2,032,000

84

F.P.JOURNE, Chronomètre Souverain “Swiss FineTiming”, 2008

WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR THE MODEL

$100,000–200,000

$1,968,500

105

VOUTILAINEN, Masterpiece Chronograph II “Number 1 of 10”, circa 2012

WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR THE BRAND

$120,000–240,000

$1,841,500

31

ROLEX, Ref. 6241 Cosmograph Daytona “John Player Special”, circa 1969

$700,000–1,400,000

$1,803,400

109

RICHARD MILLE, Ref. RM52-01 AN RG-TZP RM52-01 Tourbillon “Skull, Piece Unique”, 2016

$400,000–800,000

$1,397,000

 

 

 

Exchange Rate on 13 June 2026: US$1 = CHF0.7970, € 0.8644, £0.7459

ABOUT PHILLIPS IN ASSOCIATION WITH BACS & RUSSO

The team of specialists at Phillips Watches is dedicated to an uncompromised approach to quality, transparency, and client service. Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo holds the world record for the most successful watch auction, with its DECADE ONE (2015–2025) sale having realized $83 million in 2025. The annual total for watch auctions in 2025 exceeded $290 million, marking the first time any auction house's Watches department has surpassed US$200 million in annual sales for five consecutive years. The spring 2026 season at Phillips has achieved $235.5 million, selling three watches above $10 million — an industry first.  

 

Record–breaking prices include:

 

1. Paul Newman’s Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona reference 6239 (CHF 17,709,894 / US$17,752,500) – New York Auction: Winning Icons – 26 October 2017 – Highest result ever achieved for any vintage wristwatch at auction. 

 

2. Patek Philippe reference 1518 in stainless steel (CHF 11,020,000 / US$11,112,020) – Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR – 12 November 2016 – Highest result ever achieved for a vintage Patek Philippe wristwatch at auction.

 

ABOUT PHILLIPS

Phillips: where the world’s curious and bold connect with the art, design, and luxury that inspires them. As a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century works, Phillips offers dedicated expertise in the areas of Modern and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewels. Auctions and exhibitions are primarily held in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, with representative offices based throughout Europe, the United States, and Asia. Phillips offers a regular selection of live and online auctions, along with items available for immediate purchase. Phillips also offers a range of services and advice on all aspects of collecting, including private sales and assistance with appraisals, valuations, and financial planning.

Visit phillips.com for further information.

 

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium.

 

PRESS CONTACTS:            

GENEVA – Marine Lemonnier-Brennan, Consultant                               marine.lemonnier@289consulting.com                                        

                   Aude Campanelli, Consultant                                                 aude.campanelli@289consulting.com                                                           

 

LONDON – Katie Carder, Head of Press and Corporate Communications, Europe           kcarder@phillips.com

                   Anna Passmore, Senior Press Officer                                                        apassmore@phillips.com

 

NEW YORK – Jaime Israni, Head of PR and Corporate Communications, Americas          jisrani@phillips.com  

                        Paul Lerner, Consultant                             plerner@optimistconsulting.com

                        Katie Zoni, PR Manager                                                                                 kzoni@phillips.com  

 

HONG KONG – Ingrid Hsu, Head of PR and Corporate Communications, Asia             ingridhsu@phillips.com

                          Jiayi Zhang, Public Relations Coordinator                                           jiayizhang@phillips.com

 

PHILLIPS NEW YORK – 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022

PHILLIPS LONDON – 30 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EX

PHILLIPS HONG KONG G/F, WKCDA Tower, West Kowloon Cultural District, No. 8 Austin Road, West Kowloon

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