F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance
At Phillips New York, the F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription No. 007” achieved a remarkable $13,922,000. As one of the earliest subscription pieces used to fund the founding of the brand, this historic dual-escapement wristwatch represents an essential chapter in modern horology, combining technical resonance mechanics with early rhodium-plated brass movement construction.
Patek Philippe 2523
Phillips Geneva confirmed enduring demand for museum-grade vintage watches when the Patek Philippe 2523 "South America" World Time realized $10,247,000. Fitted with a dual-crown case and a polychrome cloisonné enamel dial depicting the South American landmass, the Louis Cottier–designed reference remains among the rarest and most revered mid-century complications in private hands.
Rexhep Rexhepi AK-06
Underscoring the rapid rise of contemporary atelier watchmaking, the Rexhep Rexhepi AK-06 commanded $3,861,000 at Phillips Geneva. With its symmetric dial-side power reserve mechanism, zero-reset seconds, and meticulous traditional hand-finishing, this limited-production manual-wind watch illustrates the soaring secondary-market premium placed on the AkriviA founder’s craftsmanship.
Across the international salerooms, these results illustrate that top-tier capital remains heavily concentrated in two specific categories: irreproducible vintage masterpieces with supreme provenance and historically significant works from elite independent watchmakers.