AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiAuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8M
The filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
A prototype of the F.P. Journe “FFC” model belonging to Oscar-winning director Francis Ford Coppola, who designed it in collaboration with François-Paul Journe, set two records at Phillips’ New York Watch Auction: XIII last week.
New York— Francis Ford Coppola’s personal prototype of the F.P. Journe “FFC,” a design conceived by and named for him, set two records at Phillips’ recent New York watch auction.
Estimated to sell for more than $1 million, the award-winning filmmaker’s one-of-one watch garnered $10.8 million, making it the most expensive watch sold by Phillips in the United States since its $17.8 million sale of Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona in 2017.
The FFC sold to an anonymous buyer on the phone after 11 minutes of bidding.
It set a world auction record not only for a piece by F.P. Journe but also for any watch by an independent watchmaker.
The FFC was the star of the New York Watch Auction: XIII, which took place Dec. 6 and 7 and had 144 lots.
It was 100 percent sold by lot and totaled $43.5 million, a record total for any watch auction in U.S. history.
The sale marks a streak of five consecutive years of white-glove live watch auctions for Phillips in New York, which the auction house said underscores a “robust” global market for collectors’ timepieces.
Related stories will be right here …
Estimated to sell for more than $1 million, the award-winning filmmaker’s one-of-one watch garnered $10.8 million, making it the most expensive watch sold by Phillips in the United States since its $17.8 million sale of Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona in 2017.
The FFC sold to an anonymous buyer on the phone after 11 minutes of bidding.
It set a world auction record not only for a piece by F.P. Journe but also for any watch by an independent watchmaker.
The FFC was the star of the New York Watch Auction: XIII, which took place Dec. 6 and 7 and had 144 lots.
It was 100 percent sold by lot and totaled $43.5 million, a record total for any watch auction in U.S. history.
The sale marks a streak of five consecutive years of white-glove live watch auctions for Phillips in New York, which the auction house said underscores a “robust” global market for collectors’ timepieces.
Coppola’s FFC is the first and only Journe timepiece whose idea came from someone other than the brand’s founder, François-Paul Journe, and is one of only a few watches Journe personally assembled.
The idea for the watch came about in 2012, when, during a meeting at his California winery, Coppola asked Journe if a human hand had ever been used to indicate time.
Francis Ford Coppola’s name is engraved on the back of his FFC prototype. The Oscar-winning director, who now lives in Napa, California, and makes wine, directed iconic films such as “The Godfather,” “The Godfather Part II,” and “Apocalypse Now.”
After nearly a decade of discussion and conceptualizing, F.P. Journe developed the prototype, the first in history to employ the human-hand feature, according to Phillips.
Coppola and Journe together designed a single hand that could distinguish all 12 hours with just five fingers.
To develop the mechanism, Journe drew inspiration from 16th-century barber-surgeon Ambroise Paré’s prosthetic hand, nicknamed “Le Petit Lorrain.”
Crafted from iron and leather, Paré’s prosthetic featured hidden gears and springs that allowed the fingers to articulate and grasp objects, much like in watchmaking, Phillips said.
To power the FFC’s unique hand mechanism without depleting the movement’s energy, Journe drew on his Octa caliber 1300.3 and the remontoir d’egalité. He spent seven years refining the design, resulting in a movement that is only 8.1 mm thick.
“This FFC prototype is, without question, one of the most historically significant F.P. Journe timepieces ever made,” said Paul Boutros, deputy chairman and head of watches for the Americas.
“Imagined by Francis Ford Coppola and realized by François-Paul Journe, two masters working side-by-side, it showcases what can be achieved when great creative minds collaborate, igniting the fires of ingenuity.”
The FFC prototype was one of seven watches from Coppola’s personal collection offered at the auction.
The filmmaker told The New York Times in October that he decided to sell them to recoup losses from his 2024 film “Megalopolis,” which cost more than $100 million to make but bombed at the box office.
All seven watches achieved “stellar” results, according to Phillips.
For example, Coppola’s F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance “FFC” sold for $584,200, nearly five times its low estimate.
The watch, a 2009 Christmas gift from his wife, Eleanor Coppola, is reportedly what spurred Coppola to invite Journe to his Inglenook winery in California’s Napa Valley, where the conversation about the human-hand watch started.
In a joint statement, Boutros and Isabella Proia, the head of the sale and a senior international specialist with Phillips, said: “It is clear that the admiration for Mr. Coppola and his taste in watches cannot be overstated. We are honored to have been entrusted with his collection.
“These successes, alongside extraordinary prices for Philippe Dufour’s Duality and Simplicity No. 01, as well as rare examples from Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Omega, reaffirm the strength and depth of the global market for exceptional watches.”
The full results of the watch auction can be viewed on Phillips’ website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
