EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
AuctionsJul 01, 2020
Phillips’ First Live Watch Auction of the Year Was a White-Glove Sale
It included four Patek Philippe timepieces from Jean-Claude Biver that went for $8.8 million total.
These four Patek Philippe watches from the private collection of Jean-Claude Biver went for $8.8 million total Phillips’ Geneva Watch Auction XI over the weekend, going for well above the collection’s pre-sale high estimate of $7 million.
Geneva—Live watch auctions resumed this week after coronavirus-related postponements, and the inaugural event from Phillips was a white-glove event.
Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo held its “Geneva Watch Auction XI” from June 27 to 28, offering 210 collector watches.
The event marked the first watch live auction this year since the COVID-19 restrictions are slowly being lifted around the world, and demand was there along with the in-person bidders.
It was 100 percent sold and totaled $31.7 million, with bidders from 70 countries participating, including more than 2,000 online bidders, which Phillips called “unprecedented.”
Phillips said it exceeded its May 2019 watch auction sale total by 20 percent.
Four Patek Philippe watches from industry veteran Jean-Claude Biver’s private collection highlighted the sale, selling for a total of approximately $8.8 million, compared with a pre-sale estimate of between $3.5 million and $7 million.
Two of these appeared in the sale’s top 10, a list dominated by Patek Philippe watches, including the top lot of the event.
Leading the sale was a Patek Philippe Ref. 1518, one of only 12 editions of this rare model, featuring a perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moonphases.
The watch ignited a four-minute session of bidding before selling for $3.6 million, almost tripling its low estimate.
Following that was a Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 second series in yellow gold—also from Biver—that went for $2.7 million, and a Patek Philippe Ref. 1579, one of only three of the chronographs in platinum with blue hard enamel graphics and spider lugs, which garnered $2 million in Geneva.
See: The Top 5 Lots of the Sale
This Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 pink gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with pink dial and moonphases sold for $3.6 million.
A Patek Philippe Ref. 2499, a rare yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moonphases, sold for $2.7 million.
This Patek Philippe Ref. 1579 platinum chronograph wristwatch with blue hard enamel graphics and spider lugs went for $2 million.
A rare F. P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain “Souscription” platinum wristwatch with tourbillon, remontoire d
Rounding out the top five is this Patek Philippe Ref. 650HU pocket watch with a cloisonné enamel dial depicting a map of Europe, Asia, Africa. It went for $1.2 million in Geneva.
Also on the auction block was a previously unknown pink gold open face world time Patek Philippe pocket watch Ref. 605 HU with a cloisonné enamel dial depicting a map of Europe, Asia and Africa, which sold for $1.2 million.
Two F.P. Journe “Souscription” models sold for a total of $2.5 million, compared with a pre-sale high estimate of $485,700. The Tourbillon Souverain sold for approximately $1.5 million, almost 10 times its pre-sale low estimate, and the platinum and pink gold Resonance sold for $1.1 million (these numbers have been rounded).
The Independents’ Atelier, dedicated to independent watchmakers, also sold 100 percent by lot.
Highlights included the Opus 3 Vianney Halter for Harry Winston in platinum, which went for $178,200, and a unique Kari Voutilainen Vingt-8 with enamel and engraved
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
