Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo has unveiled some of the highlights of the Geneva Watch Auction: XXIII, scheduled to take place on 9 and 10 May 2026 at the Hotel President in Geneva.
As the first live watch auction of the year for the house, the sale will feature more than 200 lots spanning both vintage and contemporary horology. The selection brings together historically important pieces, rare configurations, and limited-production models from leading manufacturers.
Among the headline lots is a highly important Patek Philippe Ref. 2523 world time wristwatch from 1953, distinguished by its polychrome cloisonné enamel dial depicting a map of South America.
Cased in 18k yellow gold, it is one of only two examples known with this dial configuration, and has not appeared publicly at auction for nearly four decades. It is offered with an estimate of CHF 5,000,000 to CHF 10,000,000. Lot 27.
Another notable Patek Philippe is the Ref. 3998J-013, a Calatrava model produced in 2002 and featuring a highly unusual dial with Egyptian hieroglyph hour markers.
One of only four known examples, all commissioned by the same collector, the dial spells “HALMUT NAUTUN,” widely believed to reference photographer Helmut Newton. The watch is estimated at CHF 80,000 to CHF 160,000. Lot 22.
Vintage Rolex collectors will note the presence of the Ref. 6036 “Datocompax Killy”, introduced in 1951 as one of only five Rolex references to combine a triple calendar with a chronograph.
Dating to circa 1955 and cased in 18k yellow gold, this timepiece is particularly well preserved, with sharp case proportions and a crisp dial. It carries an estimate of CHF 500,000 to CHF 1,000,000. Lot 118.
From contemporary independent watchmaking, a rare F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance “Pisa” will be offered.
Produced in a limited series of five pieces exclusively for the Milan retailer Pisa, this circa 2009 example is housed in platinum and fitted with an 18k pink gold movement. The resonance system, inspired by the work of 18th-century clockmaker Antide Janvier, uses two balance wheels beating in synchronisation to enhance chronometric stability. Estimate: CHF 450,000 to CHF 900,000. Lot 149.
A historically significant piece is the Agassiz Watch Co. “Victory” world-time pocket watch, created in 1945 and presented to Charles de Gaulle to commemorate the Allied victory in World War II.
The cloisonné enamel dial, depicting Joan of Arc, was executed by Michel Deville for Stern Frères, while the caseback features a world map engraving and dedication. This unique watch is estimated at CHF 300,000 to CHF 600,000. Lot 24.
Also included is the Richard Mille RM 027 Tourbillon “Nadal”, introduced in 2010 in collaboration with Rafael Nadal. Designed for use during professional tennis matches, the watch weighs under 20 grams including the strap and features a manually wound tourbillon movement suspended by a system of tensioned cables.
The present example, numbered 25 of a 50-piece limited edition, is offered with an estimate of CHF 500,000 to CHF 1,000,000. Lot 54.
Further highlights at the link below:
Phillips Watches
Geneva Watch Auction: XXIII
9 and 10 May 2026 – Hotel President, 407 Quai Wilson, Geneva
