Geneva auctions May 2025 – Rolex JPS, FPJ, Newman Lemon

The Geneva auctions in May followed their familiar pattern. The previews offered many beautiful watches and, as always, a good number with problems. What follows are the pieces we saw that we are confident are honest, sound timepieces, starting with what we consider the three greatest bargains of the weekend.

Three standout results

Rolex 6264, 14k yellow gold, Newman JPS dial. The watch was in great condition, with matching bracelet, flawless dial and a fine case. It came with the original payment receipt, box, guarantee, and a letter from the second owner, who bought it in 1975, confirming its history. It sold at Christie’s for CHF 1,008,000. We know the buyer, a fine collector, and are pleased for him.

Gold Rolex chronograph with bracelet seen from behind, caseback and clasp visible, held in the hand — Rolex 6264 JPS: caseback and matching bracelet

Watch box with papers, letters and a handwritten note beside a gold wristwatch with black dial — With box, guarantee, receipt and the second owner’s letter

Rolex 8171, pink gold, full set. Also in great condition: the case probably never polished, and a vintage dial with a lovely patina, correct vertical satiné finish in the centre and grainé outer date ring, a strong crown, and a strong serial on the caseback. It came with every original paper one could wish for. We have never seen a Padellone this well preserved combined with a true full set. Phillips sold it for CHF 508,000.

Gold wristwatch with cream dial, moon phase, day and month windows and brown strap — Rolex 8171 Padellone, moon phase and triple calendar

Rose gold wristwatch with cream dial, moon phase and sub-dials on a brown strap, resting on printed papers — The 8171 with its original papers

Cartier mystery clock, 1924. Seeing this unique piece in person is a rare experience. It sold for CHF 3,932,000, which we consider a bargain. François-Paul Journe himself, as the hammer fell, remarked that it was “very cheap”. He had bid on it, but the day before he had already acquired “his” Breguet Sympathique N°1 for CHF 5,505,000, so perhaps he was content.

Octagonal rose quartz and black clock with a faceted crystal dial and gold base on display — Cartier mystery clock, 1924

Other pieces we liked

Gold chronograph with black bezel, cream dial and black sub-dials on a brown strap, held in the hand — Rolex 6264, 18k yellow gold, PN Lemon dial – Phillips, CHF 825,500

Gold chronograph with cream dial, sub-dials and gold bracelet, held in the hand — Rolex 6238, 14k yellow gold – Phillips, CHF 241,300

Steel wristwatch with silver dial and a small aperture showing a gold movement, dark strap, held in the hand — F.P. Journe N°041/00R – Christie’s, CHF 831,600

Steel skeleton wristwatch seen from the movement side, light strap, held in the hand in front of a catalogue — The movement side

Steel chronograph with cream dial, sub-dials and tan leather strap, held in the hand — Longines 23086 – Antiquorum, CHF 32,500

Rectangular rose gold wristwatch with cream dial and black strap, held in the hand — Patek Philippe 425 with Breguet numerals – Antiquorum, CHF 16,250

Gold watch with enamelled dial showing painted horses and a tan leather strap, held in the hand — Omega Seamaster, yellow gold, cloisonné enamel dial by Stern – Christie’s, CHF 189,000

Steel Rolex Datejust on a jubilee bracelet with grey textured dial, applied markers and date window, on a wrist — Rolex 6304, black dial – Christie’s, CHF 81,900

Geneva auctions May 2025 – Rolex JPS, FPJ 041/00R, Newman Lemon dial, 8171R full set, Rolex 6238 14kt, Patek 425 Breguet

Three standout results

Other pieces we liked