Phillips is bringing a standout slate of 144 rare and historic timepieces to New York this June for the New York Watch Auction: XII, headlined by Patek Philippes.
Leading the sale is a yellow gold Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 (estimate $400,000–$800,000). A holy grail among collectors, this perpetual calendar chronograph was the world’s first serially produced wristwatch of its kind when introduced in 1941. The present example has remained unworn in a vault since its last acquisition in 1989, retaining immaculate original finishing and a pristine dial with untouched hard enamel graphics—a museum-quality specimen unseen publicly for nearly four decades.
Equally remarkable is a Patek Philippe Ref. 530 in pink gold (estimate $300,000–600,000). Never before offered at public auction, this 1956 chronograph is one of only about 30 pink gold examples ever produced. Its large 36.5 mm case—a rarity for its era—paired with a beautifully aged ivory-tone dial and crisp hallmarks, makes this watch both historically important and exceptionally wearable.
Rounding out the top three to watch is a fresh-to-market Ref. 570 from 1942 (estimate $200,000–$400,000). Crafted in stainless steel with an ultrarare three-tone dial and applied Breguet numerals, only four examples of this configuration are known. Its condition and provenance make it one of the most elusive and significant time-only Pateks to surface in recent years.
Other highlights include Jean-Pierre Jabouille’s engraved Rolex “Big Red” Daytona, the first customer-delivered Biver Carillon Tourbillon, and a smoked sapphire dial F.P. Journe Répétition Souveraine. The New York Watch Auction XII takes place June 7–8 at 432 Park Avenue, with public viewing from June 4–6.
Top: Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 watch (circa 1950) in 18k yellow gold with a crocodile strap, estimate $400,000–$800,000
(Photos courtesy of Phillips)
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