Following the success of its inaugural watch auction in May this year, Phillips is set to host its second watch sale in Geneva, Switzerland, featuring a selection of very rare vintage watches.

The Geneva Watch Auction – Two will take place at the Hôtel La Réserve following the Only Watch auction, which starts at 3 pm at same venue.

It will feature a selection of vintage Rolex watches including ones worn by famous film stars such as Sir Roger Moore of James Bond fame, rare pocket watches and chronographs among others.

Two Patek Philippe watches are the top lots of the sale, which will also features watches from Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet.

The auction will begin on the evening of Saturday 7 November 7 at 6.30 pm, continuing at 6.30 pm on Sunday, November 8. 

A highly compact and exciting auction of 200 watches, The Geneva Watch Auction: Two is expected to realise over $14 million.

Included in the sale are the following highlights:


Rolex James Bond Submariner from Live and Let Die, Reference 5513, Estimate CHF150,000-250,000 ($152,000-253,000).

Quite possibly the most recognisable watch in history with over 1 billion people having watched the film Live and Let Die, the wristwatch seen on Sir Roger Moore is in fact a Rolex Submariner reference 5513 made in 1972, and was later modified for the movie.

The acclaimed Rolex Submariner worn by Roger Moore was memorable for its buzz saw bezel that spun and could cut through rope to escape dangerous situations, and the hyper intensified magnetic field with the ability to deflect bullets.  Used for both humour and heightened dramatic events, the magnetic reach could unzip Miss Caruso's dress, and catch a spoon off of a coffee saucer.

The Rolex reference 5513 "Q" is the most unforgettable watch prop used in a movie and is even signed inside the caseback "Roger Moore 007".  As a highlight in the most iconic scenes in Live and Let Die, this watch is sure to interest both watch collectors and fans of cinematography alike.


Rolex Daytona Solo Quicksilver, Reference 6239, Estimate CHF250,000-500,000 ($253,000-506,000).

Simultaneously rare and stunning, the Solo Rolex Quicksilver is so exceptional; it graces the cover of the landmark tome, Ultimate Rolex Daytona by the renowned scholar, PucciPapaleo. A reference 6239 in stainless steel made in 1968, it's fitted with an extraordinary dial with only the word 'Rolex' written in bold black printing at 12 o'clock. Playfully nicknamed the 'Solo Quicksilver', the model name "Cosmograph" seen on nearly all other 6239s is missing, giving strong prominence to the iconic brand name.

This watch is one of the rarest versions of the legendary Daytona. Possessing remarkable elegance, its importance in the field of collectible Rolex watches cannot be overstated. It is a trophy watch worthy of crowning the world's most important collections of Rolex watches.


Rolex "Paul Newman" Cosmograph Daytona, Retailed by Hermès, Reference 6241, Estimate CHF300,000-600,000 ($303,000-608,000).

As Hermès is a leading retailer, it only made sense for them to work with Rolex, a front-runner in the watchmaking industry.  This highly sought after Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 6241 features an acrylic bezel with printed tachometer and round "pump" pushers. What adds to the collectability of this piece is the highly attractive "Paul Newman" black dial with gold registers and gilt writing.

The present example is rare, not only because it is encased in yellow gold, but it also bears the highly desirable "Hermès" stamping on the outer case back.  Additionally, the caseback is stamped with French gold import marks and the stamp of Rolex France.  Confirmed by Hermès in Paris, this watch was retailed by Hermès and sold on November 30, 1971.

The double-signature adds a certain element of collectability that one cannot find in other watches, which is the wonderful duo of Hermès and Rolex working in tandem.  The present example is the only one known and makes this watch an ultimate trophy for discerning Daytona collectors.


Rolex Reference 6062, Estimate CHF500,000-1 million ($506,000-1.01 million).

To many of the world's most experienced collectors of vintage Rolex wristwatches, reference 6062 represents the pinnacle of the "crowned" firm's entire production.  In fact, reference 6062 is one of only two models ever to feature a full calendar paired with the indication of the phases of the moon, together with reference the 8171 - an example of which will also be offered in this sale.

In 40 years of auctions, there has not been more than a handful of legitimate and unrestored pink gold star-dial reference 6062s, underlining this model's exclusivity.  The present example is now offered at auction for only the second time since it was made over 60 years ago.


Rolex Bombay La Caravelle Cloisonné, Reference 6102, Estimate CHF350,000-700,000 ($355,000-709,000).

In the 1950s, Rolex produced some of the most iconic cloisonné dial wristwatches in conjunction with world renowned Stern Frères of Geneva.

The present reference 6102, in virtually mint condition and seemingly unworn, is adorned with a spectacular cloisonné dial made by one of Geneva's most acclaimed enamellers, a Mrs Koch, who worked with Stern to produce some of the most sought after Rolex watches to date.  The dial depicts a wonderful scene featuring a multi-coloured boat at sea, topped with facetted baton hour markers. 


Patek Philippe World Time Cloisonné, Reference 605 HU; Estimate CHF500,000-1 million ($506,000-1.01 million).

When it comes to high-end, luxury watches, Patek Philippe's timepieces were consistently crafted with utmost excellence over the course of its storied history.

The reference 605 HU is one of a small number world time pocket watches made by the brand during the 1940s and early 1950s. Accompanied by the Extract from the Archives, Patek Philippe notes the "special theme" dial, which in fact has the movement number engraved underneath the dial. 

It is arguably the most important example to appear on the market in recent memory, as it is the only example of this reference known with a depiction of a dragon on the dial. Quite likely unique, it has not appeared at auction in over two decades.


Patek Philippe Steel Split Seconds Chronograph, Reference 1436, Estimate CHF1.5-3 million ($1.52-3.03 million).

The top lot of the auction, Reference 1436 is one of the finest complicated wristwatches ever made by Patek Philippe. It is one of only two vintage split second chronograph references produced by the distinguished firm. Normally, these were cased in yellow gold, and only a very small number were completed in pink gold. According to scholarship, less than a handful of stainless steel cases were produced and fitted with movements during the first half of the 1940s. The present stainless steel 1436 is offered here only for the second time ever since its original sale in 1949, having only seen three owners since its original purchase over half a century ago. It is one of only two known reference 1436 in stainless steel, made and completed in the 1940s.

Inside the caseback there are no traces of any watchmakers’ signs, and it is possible, given the extraordinary condition of the movement that it has never been dismantled or worked on since leaving Patek Philippe's workshops in 1949.


Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, Reference 2499 First Series, Estimate CHF800,000-1.4 million ($810,000-1.42 million).

Number two on the list is Patek Philippe's reference 2499, one of the company's most treasured perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches to date. 

This exceptional example in yellow gold is the only known 2499 from the first series to be fitted with a champagne coloured dial.  Furthermore, the watch is accompanied by the Extract from the Archives confirming it was in fact born with a champagne dial. 

Distinguished by its square shaped pushers, tachometer scale and applied Arabic numerals, the present example is part of the first series, and considered to be highly desirable by collectors. As reference 2499 is highly sought after, what sets this piece apart is its rarity and remarkable condition, as the lugs and case are seemingly unpolished.


Vacheron & Constantin "Cornes de Vache" Chronograph, Reference 6087, Estimate CHF50,000-100,000 ($50,600-101,000).

Scholars and enthusiasts have long considered Vacheron Constantin's chronographs to be among the most beautiful chronograph wristwatches ever designed. Some references are so utterly rare that until today have never appeared at auction, and were only known by archival images that survived in the books of Vacheron Constantin. 

Phillips is offering nine chronographs, seven of which are different models, including an ultra rare 6026 in pink gold - one of only six made, and a superb example of the coveted reference 6087, the so-called "Cornes deVache".


Audemars Piguet Minute Repeater, retailed by Cartier, Estimate CHF300,000-600,000 ($303,000-608,000).

Audemars Piguet produced very few minute repeating wristwatches through the 1920s. The present watch was originally purchased by Henry Haven Windsor, Jr, the son of the founder of Popular Mechanics magazine and an avid watch collector. After his father's death, when Windsor was 26 he became editor and publisher of the magazine, which had originally been founded in 1902. 

The combination of many highly desirable elements such as the platinum case, the minute repeating movement, the Cartier signature and Breguet numerals on the dial is impressive.  Few complicated vintage wristwatches can better echo the style of the 1920s and 30s as this watch.

This is the second season of auctions to take place since Phillips announced the creation of its Watch Department dedicated to the world's finest collectors watches. The department is based in Geneva and partners with Bacs & Russo, the firm of Aurel Bacs and Livia Russo.

Phillips will also conduct the Only Watch auction ahead of the vintage watch sale.

Only Watch, beginning at 3 pm on November 7 is dedicated to unique timepieces created and donated by the finest watchmakers for research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). It will offer 44 one-of-a-kind timepieces created especially for this noble cause - establishing watchmakers' continued support for scientific and medical research on neuromuscular diseases.

Phillips is a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st Century art and design. With dedicated expertise in the areas of art, design, photographs, editions, watches, and jewellery, Phillips offers professional services and advice on all aspects of collecting. Auctions and exhibitions are held at salerooms in New York, London and Geneva, while clients are further served through representative offices based throughout Europe, the US and Asia. Phillips also offers an online auction platform accessible anywhere in the world.