This Auction Is Stacked with Incredible Vintage Watches

Phillips is holding its next Geneva Watch Auction from June 27th through 28th, and it’s got everything from Longines to Patek to Rolex and more.

By Oren Hartov

Published June 16, 2020

Updated June 1, 2021

It’s that time again: Phillips is gearing up for the eleventh iteration of its Geneva Watch Auction. On June 27th through 28th, bidding will take place on 215 lots that run the horological gamut, from vintage Patek through modern MB&F. Here are a few of our favorites.

Our Picks

Ref. 5699 cal. 13ZN by Longines Estimate: $20,600-30,900

Featuring what is often touted as the best chronograph movement ever produced, the 13ZN, this ref. 5699 from 1946 is housed in an oversized 39.5mm steel case and was intended for sale in the American market. The 13ZN is notable for its unique central minute counter hand.

Ref. 1463 by Patek Philippe Estimate: $206,000-412,000

It’s difficult to argue with the 1463, one of the best-looking chronographs ever made (IMHO). Notable as one of just two serially produced vintage Patek chronographs housed in water-resistant cases, this particular example is a later execution in pink gold — something rarely seen.

Ref. 325 “Portugieser” by IWC Estimate: $25,700-36,000

Dating to 1943, this typically oversized 42mm “Portugieser” is a reference 325, of which only 304 examples were produced using the caliber 74, a manually wound pocket watch movement. Featuring an aged black dial with luminous Arabic indices and a beautiful stepped case, it features a timeless design that is still produced today.

Ref. 5513 “Explorer Dial” by Rolex Estimate: $103,000-207,000

5513s, which, along with the 5512, were the first Rolex Submariners to feature crown guards, are a dime a dozen. But 5513s with Explorer dials are another story. Produced only during the first half of the 1960s, these watches are exceedingly rare, this example made more so by the presence of an underline beneath the depth rating.

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