Auction fever

Given the high calibre of the unique timepieces offered at Phillips’ Only Watch 2015 charity auction, there was certainly a tangible feeling beforehand that history could be made. Not only did the only Patek Philippe 5016 ever created in steel become the most expensive wristwatch ever sold, fetching 7.3m Swiss francs, but the Tudor Heritage Black Bay One also surpassed its pre-sale estimate of 3,500-4,500 francs by a factor of 100, realising an extraordinary 375,000 francs. Other notable results included the F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain Bleu, which sold for 550,000 francs (150,000 francs over its upper estimate), and the Richard Mille Tourbillon that Rafael Nadal wore throughout his 2015 tennis season. It made a bang-on-estimate 650,000 francs. 

Photos: Phillips