The upcoming year-end Phillips auction, Racing Pulse, takes place Saturday, December 12, 2020 in New York. It features several incredible watches that are certain to be interesting to both those bidding and enthusiasts in general.
Last week I went into the five watches that actor Sylvester Stallone, long known in collector communities for his love of beefy timepieces, has consigned to this auction. See those in Four Richard Mille Watches And The Legendary Panerai Luminor Slytech Daylight Belonging to Sylvester Stallone On The Block At The Phillips New York December 2020 Racing Pulse Auction.
Sylvester Stallone’s Panerai Luminor Slytech Daylight (photo courtesy Phillips)
Two more important Panerai models on the block
This Phillips auction showcases something of a timeline of Panerai history, starting with Stallone’s Luminor Slytech Daylight of 1993 (which I wrote about in the first part of this auction’s preview) – i.e., early modern-history Panerai – to the most advanced materials used so far.
Lot 45: Panerai LAB-ID Luminor 1950 Carbotech 3 Days (PAM700)
The beginning of the brand’s foray into high-tech materials is represented here by the first-generation Panerai LAB-ID Luminor 1950 Carbotech 3 Days (PAM700) offered in this sale by a private collector.
Panerai Lab-ID Luminor 1950 Carbotech 3 Days
This was the first watch movement made using carbon fiber nanotubes and offered with a watch industry first of an astonishing 50-year warranty. See everything you need to know about this watch in The Panerai Lab-ID Luminor 1950 Carbotech 3 Days With 50-Year Guarantee!
This Panerai LAB-ID Luminor 1950 Carbotech 3 Days is number 34 of 50 and is Phillips lot 45.
Lot 46: Panerai LAB-ID (PAM1700)
On the other side of the timeline, representing the very latest Panerai model and cutting-edge technology, and in debut to the public, Panerai has partnered with Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo to offer the brand-new Luminor LAB-ID (PAM1700).
Panerai Luminor LAB-ID (PAM1700)
This new-generation LAB-ID model in Carbotech was conceived and developed as perhaps the most technologically advanced mechanical timepiece in terms of longevity. Boasting an unprecedented 70-year warranty, its unique look pays tribute to the seventieth anniversary of the Luminor, which Panerai has been celebrating in 2020. The new PAM1700 also introduces an advanced form of Super-LumiNova called Super-LumiNova X-1, which Panerai specifically had created for improved brightness and durability for use around the patented crown-protecting device.
Phillips and Panerai offer number one of the 70-piece limited edition here as lot 46.
Quick Facts Panerai Lab-ID Luminor 1950 Carbotech 3 Days (PAM700)
Case: 49 mm, Carbotech composite
Movement: manual winding Caliber P.3001/C with twin spring barrels, three-day power reserve, 3 Hz/21,600 vph frequency, silicon escapement
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds; power reserve
Year of manufacture: 2017
Limitation: 70 pieces
Warranty: 50 years
Original retail price: $50,000
Auction estimate: $30,000-$60,000
Quick Facts Panerai Luminor LAB-ID (PAM1700)
Case: 49 mm, Carbotech composite
Movement: manual winding Caliber P.3001/C with twin spring barrels, three-day power reserve, 3 Hz/21,600 vph frequency, silicon escapement
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds; power reserve
Year of manufacture: 2020
Limitation: 50 pieces
Warranty: 70 years
Suggested retail price: €70,000
Auction estimate: $30,000-$60,000
Lot 38: Paul Newman’s Big Red Rolex Daytona Reference 6263
Following the record-breaking sale of Paul Newman’s Paul Newman Rolex Daytona in 2017, which was commissioned by Newman’s daughter Nell to benefit charity, another of the late actor’s daughters, Clea Newman Soderlund, is putting another of the late actor’s watches on the block.
Paul Newman’s Big Red Rolex Daytona (photo courtesy Phillips)
This one was also a gift to Newman (an avid racing driver) from his famous wife, Joanne Woodward, which the engraving on the back – “Drive slowly Joanne” – reflects. According to Phillips, it was the watch Newman was most photographed wearing; he gave it to his daughter in 2008. Woodward had given it to Newman in 1983 for their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.
Engraved back of Paul Newman’s Big Red Rolex Daytona Reference 6263 (photo courtesy Phillips)
Furthermore, Phillips says it is in excellent original condition, including its reverse panda dial with “Big Red” Daytona logo. Like the previous Newman lot three years ago, a portion of the proceeds from this sale will also go to charitable organizations founded by Paul Newman, including SeriousFun Children’s Network and Safe Water Network.
The Paul Newman Rolex Daytona auctioned in 2017 achieved a world-record-holding result for a vintage timepiece of close to $17.8 million (the world record for any wristwatch at auction is currently held by the unique Patek Phillipe Grandmaster Chime from Only Watch 2019 at $31 million). Could this one match – or even top – that?
Paul Newman’s Big Red Rolex Daytona Reference 6263 is Phillips lot 38.
Quick Facts Paul Newman’s Big Red Rolex Daytona Reference 6263
Case: 37 mm, stainless steel
Movement: manually wound Caliber 727
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds; chronograph
Year of manufacture: ca. 1980
Remark: comes with a handwritten note from Clea Newman Soderlund
Auction estimate: in excess of $1 million
Lot 20: Heuer Monaco worn by Steve McQueen in Le Mans
Wow, talk about a one-two punch: these two watches in one auction should last us the rest of this awful year in terms of auction drama – but combined with the set of Stallone watches, even I think I might stay up late to catch the scene that is bound to unfold during this auction!
As our own Chris Malburg reported in his sensational interview with Le Mans propmaster Don Nunley back in 2018, six Heuer Monacos were sourced for the film. “One immediately went missing, its whereabouts unknown,” Chris wrote. “Of the five remaining Monacos, one was designated for McQueen to wear on set.”
I can highly recommend reading this entertaining story to understand where these watches are today: The Real Story Behind Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco: Exclusive Interview With ‘Le Mans’ Property Master Don Nunley.
Heuer Monaco worn by Steve McQueen in ‘Le Mans’ (photo courtesy Phillips)
The one offered in this auction was consigned by Haig Altounian, McQueen’s personal mechanic and the film’s chief mechanic. It seems McQueen gifted him his example at the end of filming. The case back is even engraved with, “To Haig Le Mans 1970.” Phillips says the watch is extremely well preserved.
This is lot 20 of the Racing Pulse auction.
Quick Facts Heuer Monaco worn by Steve McQueen in Le Mans
Case: 39 x 39 mm, stainless steel
Movement: automatic Caliber 11
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds; date, chronograph
Year of manufacture: 1969
Remark: comes with hand-signed letter for Haig Altounian attesting authenticity
Original retail price: CHF 400
Auction estimate: upon request
Other notable watches
Phillips has a total of 138 timepieces in this auction. Aside from the breathtaking attention-getters above and in my previous post, there is still more to be excited about in the Racing Pulse auction.
Lot 127: A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus
For me it is quite a surprise to see one of the Lange Odysseus watches only launched in the autumn of 2019 already at auction. We have discussed this watch in detail here on Quill & Pad, in particular because at its launch it was quite controversial and widely discussed as this traditionally elegant brand’s very first serial stainless steel model in the current sporty trend.
A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus (photo courtesy Phillips)
While the Odysseus line is not a limited edition, it is limited by production, and there has predictably been much more demand for the piece than production has allowed. I suspect the auction price could end up pretty high, overtaking the retail price of €28,000. As the first one to come up, it will set a precedent and this bears watching. The watch offered here is unworn.
Read what GaryG thinks about his after taking the plunge and buying one in Why I Bought It: A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus (A Photofest!). And for the opinions of all of our writers who have handled it, see A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus: Quill & Pad Team Talk, Strong Opinions After Handling The Already Controversial —And Polarizing — New Steel Lange (With Video).
Three other watches by A. Lange & Söhne also feature in this auction: a 2011 platinum Datograph, a 2017 white gold Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar Terraluna, and a gorgeous black-and-grey 2004 Grand Lange 1.
Quick Facts A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus
Case: 40.5 x 11.1 mm, stainless steel with integrated bracelet
Movement: automatic Caliber L155.1 Datomatic, assembled twice, very finely finished, German silver plates and bridges, hand-engraved balance bridge, 50-hour power reserve, in-house balance spring, 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency
Functions: hours, minutes, hacking seconds; date, weekday
Year of manufacture: 2019
Original retail price: €28,000
Auction estimate: $20,000-$40,000
Lot 138: two American pocket watches formerly belonging to John Lennon and Andy Warhol
Honestly, I just had to mention this pair of attractive white gold pocket watches by American watchmakers that have previously belonged to world-famous pop icons. The watches were “banded together” by the consignor, who was inspired to track the two watches down and “unite” them after seeing a photograph of Lennon and Warhol together. Both the ex-Beatle and the iconic artist were watch connoisseurs of sorts – especially Warhol, who is reported to have owned hundreds of watches in his lifetime.
Elgin pocket watch belonging to Andy Warhol (left) and E. Howard Watch Co. pocket watch belonging to John Lennon (photo courtesy Phillips)
The Lennon-owned pocket watch by E. Howard Watch Co. of Boston was originally placed by his wife Yoko Ono in a 1984 Sotheby’s auction intended to raise funds for charity, and this was the only timepiece in that auction. The pocket watch by Elgin belonging to Warhol was originally offered as part of the Sotheby’s Andy Warhol Collection Vol. II of 1988. They are being offered together for the first time.
A portion of the proceeds of this lot will benefit the Give Peace a Chance charity organization.
This set constitutes Phillips lot 138.
Quick Facts E. Howard Watch Co. pocket watch belonging to John Lennon
Case: 42 mm, 14-karat white gold
Movement: signed Howard movement
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds
Year of manufacture: ca. 1930s
Remark: accompanied by Bob Gruen 1972 photo of Andy Warhol and John Lennon as well as original catalogs of the respective estate sales
Auction estimate: $20,000-$40,000 (set)
Quick Facts Elgin pocket watch belonging to Andy Warhol
Case: 44.5 mm, 14-karat white gold
Movement: signed Elgin movement
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds
Year of manufacture: ca. 1920s
Remark: accompanied by Bob Gruen 1972 photo of Andy Warhol and John Lennon as well as original catalogues of the respective estate sales
Auction estimate: $20,000-$40,000 (set)
Lot 79: De Bethune DB25XPARV2
Any day a De Bethune comes up at auction is a good day – but especially when it is even more elegant than usual. This very modern DB25 manufactured just this year is an elegant variation on the DB25 theme with a dial crafted in white high-fire enamel surrounding a titanium disk perfectly blued to De Bethune’s signature hue.
De Bethune DB25XPARV2 (photo courtesy Phillips)
This is Phillips’ lot 79.
A second unusual De Bethune timepiece is also present in this auction: lot 39, the De Bethune Big Power Super Sport.
Quick Facts De Bethune DB25XPARV2
Case: 44 mm, pink gold
Movement: automatic Caliber DB2024, six-day power reserve
Functions: hours, minutes
Year of manufacture: 2020
Original retail price: $60,000
Auction estimate: $15,000-$25,000
Lot 59: Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30°
The Double Tourbillon 30° is the watch that launched Greubel Forsey in 2004 – and considering how limited each edition this boutique brand produces is, this is a rare find. This watch features Greubel Forsey’s first invention, the Double Tourbillon 30°.
Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30° (photo courtesy Phillips)
The Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30° is Phillips’ lot 59.
Quick Facts Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30°
Case: 44 mm; white gold
Movement: manual winding Caliber GF02, 3 Hz/21,600 vph frequency, four coaxial serially operating fast-rotating barrels, 72-hour power reserve; inner tourbillon inclined at 30° and rotating in 60 seconds; outer tourbillon rotating in four minutes
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds; power reserve indicator
Year of manufacture: ca. 2009
Auction estimate: $100,000-$200,000
Lot 16: Breguet Type XX
Now this is one vintage watch that I predict will attract a lot of bidding attention! Highly sought after right now, Breguet’s Type XX is a historical pilot’s watch that has recently caught connoisseurs’ attention – and wallets.
Breguet Type XX (photo courtesy Phillips)
A military pilot’s watch delivered to the French naval forces as of the 1950s, this flyback chronograph allowed pilots to quickly reset and restart, which aided in navigation in an era without computers and automated controls.
In very good condition, this timepiece is being sold to benefit The Institute for Digital Archaeology, a non-profit organization promoting digital technology in archaeology, epigraphy, art history, and museum conservation.
For more information on lot 16 see www.phillips.com/detail/breguet/NY080120/16.
Quick Facts Breguet Type XX
Case: 38 mm, stainless steel
Movement: manually wound Caliber Valjoux 222
Functions: hours, minutes; flyback chronograph
Year of manufacture: 1954
Auction estimate: $12,000-$18,000
Selection of F.P. Journe watches, including Chronomètre à Resonance Souscription
Racing Pulse also includes a large selection of F.P. Journe timepieces led by lot 102, an early platinum Souscription Chronomètre à Resonance with the serial number 4.
The “souscription” system enabled François-Paul Journe to finance the launch of his brand: he created 20 Tourbillon Souverain “Souscription” wristwatches sold to patrons using a subscription system in which the future owners paid a substantial deposit up front.
When Journe decided to launch his second model, the Chronomètre à Resonance, he offered it to the clients who had already bought the tourbillon, offering them the option of having the same limitation number for both watches. However, the ultimate number of limitation was not specified (so only one number is shown on the original watches).
In June 2020, Phillips offered the Chronomètre à Resonance number 14, which achieved a record-setting price of CHF 1,040,000 for an F.P. Journe watch. To understand what makes the Chronomètre à Résonance so special, see Understanding Resonance, Featuring The F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance, Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance, And Haldimann H2 Flying Resonance.
F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Resonance Souscription (photo courtesy Phillips)
Here Phillips presents an even earlier Résonance Souscription than that of the June 2020 auction, encased in platinum with a shimmering white gold dial as lot 102.
Quick Facts F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Resonance Souscription
Case: 38 mm, platinum
Movement: manually wound Caliber 1499, 2 independent gear trains including regulators, free-sprung balances with 4 inertia weights each, 2 one-second remontoirs d’égalité for constant force, 3 Hz/21,600 vph frequency
Functions: 2 x hours, minutes, seconds; power reserve indication
Production year: 2000
Auction estimate: $120,000-$240,000
Time Counts
The auction will also feature a special, charitable section entitled “Time Counts” consisting of 12 lots donated by famous personalities. All proceeds from this section benefit the One Drop and Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundations.
Twelve lots – 11 watches and one experience – were generously donated by celebrated personalities, including One Drop’s founder, Guy Laliberté, who seems to really like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (lot 71), Prince Albert II of Monaco (Urwerk lot 66), U2’s lead singer Bono, former Formula One racing champions Sir Jackie Stewart (lot 64) and David Coulthard (lot 68), and Kevin “Mr. Wonderful” O’Leary (lot 63). In support of the two foundations’ missions, Phillips will also donate the net proceeds from the buyers’ premiums to benefit these foundations.
Lot 69: Jaeger-LeCoultre automatic watch donated by Bono
Bono, best known as lead singer for U2, has donated something a lot less showy and a lot more elegant and classy to the Time Counts portion of this auction than some of the others: a vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre with special meaning for him.
Jaeger-LeCoultre automatic watch owned by Bono (photo courtesy Phillips)
This small, very elegant watch from approximately 1965 is outfitted with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s first automatic movement with centrally mounted winding rotor: Caliber K881. The brand’s first automatic movements – as of 1947 – were fitted with bumper-style automatic movements; this is the second iteration of JLC’s automatic movement.
Bono gave this watch to his father, Brendan Robert Hewson. After Hewson passed away, Bono kept this timepiece and now generously donates it to charity. It is being offered here without reserve.
For more information on lot 69 see www.phillips.com/detail/jaegerlecoultre/NY080120/69.
Quick Facts Jaeger-LeCoultre automatic belonging to Bono
Case: 32 mm, 18-karat pink gold
Movement: automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber K881
Functions: hours, minutes; date
Year of manufacture: ca. 1965
Remarks: accompanied by drawing of U2 lyrics of “The First Time” by Bono; photograph and signed letter
Auction estimate: $1,000-$2,000
For more information in the Phillips Racing Pulse auction, please visit www.phillips.com/auctions/auction/NY080120.
You may also enjoy:
Why I Bought It: A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus (A Photofest!)
The Panerai Lab-ID Luminor 1950 Carbotech 3 Days With 50-Year Guarantee!
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