ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
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
More on Auctions
The Latest
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
