CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American JewelryThe pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
AuctionsMay 15, 2019
Phillips Sells George Daniels’ Grand Complication for $2.4M
The legendary watchmaker’s most complicated pocket watch was the top lot at Phillips’ “Geneva Watch Auction: Nine” on May 11 and 12.
Legendary watchmaker George Daniels’ most complicated pocket watch, the Grand Complication, sold for about $2.4 million at Phillips’ recent watch auction in Geneva.
Geneva—In a watch auction market dominated by strong performances from a few specific brands or timepieces with celebrity provenance, one creation from a legendary but far more esoteric watchmaker stood out at Phillips’ recent Geneva watch auction.
George Daniels’ Grand Complication pocket watch led the Phillips “Geneva Watch Auction: Nine” sale, held May 11 and 12, going well beyond its pre-sale estimate of $1.5 million when it garnered $2.4 million.
Daniels was a self-taught watchmaker and could create a complete watch by hand, including the movement, case, and dial. To do this, he had to master the 32 individual disciplines required to make a watch.
He is, perhaps, most famous for inventing the co-axial escapement, which revolutionized mechanical watchmaking and which Phillips called “the greatest horological invention of the past 250 years.”
The British watchmaker completed 27 watches (not including prototypes) throughout his career.
He died in 2011.
Phillips said his Grand Complication was the most complicated pocket watch he made and also one of his final timepieces.
He created it entirely himself in 1987. According to Phillips, it’s the only Daniels timepiece to feature an instantaneous perpetual calendar with retrograde date and minute repeater, both mechanisms made to his own design.
Phillips also auctioned off Daniels’ Anniversary wristwatch, pictured above, which also sold above its pre-sale estimate, going for $452,700.
Daniels set out to produce 35 handmade watches to celebrate the 35th anniversary of his invention of the co-axial escapement.
The watchmaker said this particular piece “is a culmination of over 40 years of watchmaking and unashamedly takes inspiration from several pieces in my body of work.”
The 18-karat gold 40 mm case houses Daniels’ Calibre movement, which was new and original at the time of its creation in 2010. The Anniversary wristwatch is also fitted with a calendar and power reserve complication.
Phillips’ “Geneva Watch Auction: Nine” sale totaled more than $25.6 million.
Other top lots include a Rolex Ref. 8171, a triple calendar wristwatch with moon phases and two-tone dial and a 38 mm case in 18-karat yellow gold, which garnered $971,600; and a Patek Philippe Ref. 5208P—a rare platinum minute repeating single-button chronograph wristwatch with instantaneous perpetual calendar and moon phases—that went for $804,900.
There also was a Rolex Ref. 6241 chronograph wristwatch in 14-karat yellow gold with a Paul Newman “John Player Special” dial that sold for $793,000.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026
Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
