Phillips has rewritten the history of luxury watch auctions, achieving a record-breaking $112.3 million at its Geneva Watch Auction: XXIV. The two-day sale, held on November 7 and 8, became the highest-grossing watch auction ever, setting 24 world records and attracting collectors from across the globe.
The landmark result marks a defining moment for the high-end watch market, with rare timepieces from F.P. Journe, Patek Philippe, Rolex and other prestigious names commanding extraordinary prices. Phillips+1
Phillips Geneva Watch Auction XXIV Reaches $112.3 Million
Held at the Hotel President in Geneva, the auction featured 217 watches, all of which sold. Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo reported a total of CHF 92.05 million, equivalent to approximately $112.28 million.
The sale drew 2,121 registered bidders from 69 countries, competing in person, online and over the telephone. The average sale price exceeded $500,000 per lot, while 17 timepieces achieved prices above CHF 1 million.
The achievement also surpassed Phillips’ own previous record, set during its Geneva spring auction in May 2026, which had realized approximately $96.3 million. Phillips+1
F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance “Régence” Leads the Sale
The standout lot of the auction was an F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance “Régence” in platinum, which sold for CHF 8,680,500, or approximately $10.59 million.
The exceptional timepiece featured a hand-engraved pink-gold dial and attracted intense competition. Its result made it one of the most valuable wristwatches ever sold at auction and marked the fifth consecutive Phillips live watch auction in which a timepiece exceeded $10 million.
F.P. Journe’s strong performance extended across the sale. The 13 watches from the independent watchmaker collectively realized CHF 31.8 million, equivalent to approximately $38.8 million.
Other notable F.P. Journe results included:
- Chronomètre à Résonance “Tokyo Boutique”: CHF 6.146 million, approximately $7.5 million.
- Vagabondage III: CHF 5.057 million, approximately $6.17 million.
- Pre-production Chronomètre à Résonance 022/99: CHF 4.936 million, approximately $6.03 million.
The results reinforce the growing collector appetite for rare independent watchmaking and distinctive designs. phillips.com+2
Patek Philippe Sets a New Benchmark for Split-Seconds Chronographs
Patek Philippe delivered another major result with its Ref. 1436 split-seconds chronograph in stainless steel. One of only two known examples featuring the original steel case and dial configuration, the watch sold for CHF 6,267,000, or approximately $7.64 million.
The result established a new auction record for a split-seconds chronograph.
Other notable Patek Philippe sales included:
- Steel Ref. 530 Calatrava: CHF 1.117 million, approximately $1.36 million.
- Yellow-gold Ref. 1518 perpetual calendar chronograph: CHF 1.117 million, approximately $1.36 million.
The results underline the enduring appeal of historically significant Patek Philippe references, particularly those distinguished by rarity and original condition. Phillips+1
Independent Watchmakers Continue to Attract Elite Collectors
The auction also highlighted the strength of independent watchmaking, with several celebrated creators achieving impressive results.
- Philippe Dufour’s platinum Simplicity: CHF 1,968,500, approximately $2.4 million.
- Kari Voutilainen’s unique tantalum Vingt-8 Inversé: CHF 1,524,000, approximately $1.86 million.
- Roger Smith’s unique two-tone Series 1: reported at approximately $1.1 million in the sale coverage.
These results reflect a collector market increasingly attentive to craftsmanship, technical distinction and the individual identity of independent watchmakers. Phillips+1
Rolex and Cartier Deliver Standout Auction Moments
Rolex also attracted significant attention. A newly discovered Ref. 6062 “Stelline” sold for CHF 2,334,500, approximately $2.85 million. A yellow-gold Ref. 6241 Daytona “John Player Special” was another major result, with the sale record listing its price at CHF 1,905,000, or approximately $2.3 million. Phillips+1
Cartier’s standout was not a wristwatch but the iconic Portico Mystery Clock No. 4. The clock realized CHF 4,815,000, equivalent to approximately $5.87 million, setting a new auction record for a Cartier timepiece.
Two Cartier Crash watches also sold for approximately $430,000 each, according to the auction coverage. Phillips+1
A Milestone for the Luxury Watch Market
Phillips representatives Alexandre Ghotbi and Tiffany To described the sale as a celebration of the strength and vitality of the watch market, highlighting the exceptional collection and the enthusiasm of collectors.
The $112.3 million result is significant not simply because it surpasses a financial threshold. It demonstrates the remarkable demand for rare, historically important and highly collectible watches, particularly when distinctive examples from leading maisons and independent watchmakers come together in a single auction.
The momentum is set to continue. Phillips has scheduled The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XXIII for November 21–22, followed by The New York Watch Auction: XV on December 5–6, 2026. Phillips+1
For the luxury watch industry, Geneva Watch Auction: XXIV has established a new benchmark—and the final auctions of 2026 could bring further attention to the market’s most coveted timepieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total value of Phillips’ Geneva Watch Auction: XXIV?
The auction achieved CHF 92.05 million, equivalent to approximately $112.28 million, making it the highest-grossing watch auction in history.
Which watch sold for the highest price at the auction?
The F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance “Régence” in platinum was the top lot, selling for CHF 8,680,500, approximately $10.59 million.
How many world records were set at the auction?
Phillips reported 24 world records across the two-day sale on November 7 and 8, 2026.
Which Patek Philippe watch achieved a record result?
The stainless-steel Patek Philippe Ref. 1436 split-seconds chronograph sold for CHF 6,267,000, setting a new auction record for a split-seconds chronograph.
How many watches were sold at Phillips Geneva Watch Auction XXIV?
All 217 lots offered at the auction were sold, achieving a 100% sell-through rate by lot and by value.
When are Phillips’ next major watch auctions?
Phillips’ Hong Kong Watch Auction: XXIII is scheduled for November 21–22, 2026, while The New York Watch Auction: XV is scheduled for December 5–6, 2026. Phillips+1
