Phillips Geneva Watch Auction XXI: 10–11 May 2025 – Icons & Grails

Held twice a year, the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction is where major grails hit the block, records get broken, and new trends quietly start to form. It’s where the best watches meet the highest expectations, and sometimes, blow straight past them. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest highlights coming under the hammer.

Rolex Ref. 6264 Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman Lemon"

Fresh from the family of the original owner, the Rolex Ref. 6264 Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman Lemon" might just steal the show. Cased in 37mm 18k yellow gold and running on the legendary Valjoux 727 movement, it’s all about that rare bright yellow Paul Newman dial, made even wilder with tropical brown subdials. If you know Daytona lore, you know how mythical this combo is. Offered with an estimate of €644.000–€1.290.000, this is the kind of watch that rewrites auction records.

Patek Philippe Ref. 5004R-018

Few watches flex harder in the complication game than the Patek Philippe Ref. 5004R-018. This 36.7mm pink gold machine is powered by the calibre CHR 27-70 Q, packing a split-seconds chronograph, perpetual calendar, moonphase, leap year, and 24-hour display, all squeezed into pure wrist royalty. Coming with its original certificate, an extra caseback, and a presentation box, it’s a grail for collectors who want Patek pedigree with serious mechanical muscle. Estimate: €216.000–€432.000.

Cartier Crash – Special Order Emerald Dial

Cartier’s most rebellious watch just got even more interesting. This special-order Cartier Crash rocks an emerald green dial that throws a shot of electricity through the surrealist case design. Measuring 23mm x 38mm and crafted in yellow gold, it’s powered by a manual-wind movement and comes with its original guarantee and presentation box. Watches like this aren’t just rare, they’re practically mythical. Estimate: €75.400–€151.000.

F.P. Journe Chronomètre À Résonance "Sincere Fine Watches"

François-Paul Journe’s resonance theory isn’t just genius, it’s magic on the wrist. This Chronomètre À Résonance "Sincere Fine Watches" edition, limited to just 25 pieces, is housed in a 38mm platinum case and runs on the calibre 1499. What really sets it off? A rare black mother-of-pearl dial that shimmers with every move. Full set, original guarantee, and a serious collector flex. Estimate: €216.000–€432.000.

Audemars Piguet Ref. 25820TP Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar

If you think you’ve seen every Royal Oak, think again. The Audemars Piguet Ref. 25820TP is a stealthy killer, crafted from a rare mix of tantalum and platinum, with a 39mm case that hides serious watchmaking power underneath. The blue "Tuscan" tapisserie dial, paired with the calibre 2120/2802 perpetual calendar movement, makes it one of the sharpest Royal Oaks you’ll ever see. Estimate: €162.000–€323.000.

Quick Overview

Here’s a quick overview of the stars of Geneva Watch Auction XXI:

A Look Back: Last Year’s Star Lot

Not every auction highlight comes with a six-figure flex and a good cause, but this one did. Last year, at Geneva Watch Auction XX, the spotlight hit a unique A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down “Hampton Court Edition.” A one-off in 18k white gold, 41mm, complete with flyback chronograph, outsize date, power reserve, and a hinged caseback engraved with the Concours of Elegance logo. Estimate? Between €107.000-€214.000. Final price? Around €880.000. All of it went to The Prince’s Trust, and yes, it came with a matching white gold bracelet too. Collectors love the Datograph for good reason, it's one of the cleanest, most respected chronos ever made. This one wasn’t just rare. It was meaningful. Built to mark the model’s 25th anniversary, worn once by a British royal, and then put under the hammer for charity. Call it a statement piece. Call it a flex with heart. Either way, it stole the show.

Can You Attend or Watch the Auction?

You can’t just stroll in, but yes, you can attend the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction. If you want to bid, you’ll need to register in advance and get approved for a paddle. That means filling out a form and providing valid ID. Not bidding? It’s best to contact Phillips to ask if you can sit in as a guest. And if you’re just there for the show? You’re in luck, Phillips streams the whole thing live on their website, so you can watch every high-stakes hammer drop from wherever you are.

Final Word

Phillips Geneva Watch Auction XXI isn’t about safe bets or recycled stories—it’s about serious watches with serious pedigree. From a once-in-a-lifetime Paul Newman Lemon Daytona to the discovery of a secret green-dial Cartier Crash, this is where collecting levels up. 10–11 May 2025 — the stage is set. The bids will fly. Let’s see who makes history next.