Miami Fundraising Event Co-Hosted by Phillips and F.P.Journe Sets New Record Price for a Non-Diamond-Set Quartz Watch and Any élégante Offered for Sale
NEW YORK – 5 MARCH 2024 – On 2 March in Miami, Phillips and F.P.Journe offered for sale a one-of-a-kind élégante 48 mm Titalyt®, which sold after 10 minutes of spirited bidding for a staggering $420,000, setting a new record for a non-diamond-set quartz watch and any élégante. 100% of the final sale price will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world.
Following the event, Donna McKay, Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s President and CEO, said, “We are deeply grateful for F.P.Journe and Phillips’ extraordinary efforts which have helped to draw important attention to male breast cancer and fund critical research into a disease that effects one in 833 men in the U.S. By supporting
BCRF—the world’s largest private funder for breast cancer research—they are making an enormous impact in allowing our global legion of scientists to develop better approaches, treatments and outcomes for those with breast cancer and their loved ones.”
Isabella Proia, Phillips’ Head of Sale, New York, International Specialist, Watches, who had the privilege of auctioneering the sale, said, “The Phillips team is immensely honored to have collaborated with F.P.Journe in offering this one-of-a-kind timepiece for such a noble cause. Standing witness to the vibrant energy in the room as collectors and philanthropists united for this mission was truly inspiring. With 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, every bid represented a significant step forward in the fight against breast cancer. This watch, with its blend of timeless design and modern innovation, serves as a symbol of hope and solidarity in our collective effort to support breast cancer research and awareness.
Since its inception, the F.P.Journe brand has been known for exemplary workmanship and technical innovation. With the élégante collection, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, Journe brought forward a 21st century electromechanical movement, which was in development for eight years; the exclusive caliber 1210 with motion detection. This allows the watch to offer eight to ten years of autonomy when the watch is worn and up to eighteen years in standby mode. The Flat Tortue® case is reminiscent of timepieces from the early 20th century, but the 21st-century electromechanical movement within is a technical marvel. To preserve battery life, the watch “hibernates” after 35 minutes of inactivity, stopping the hands from moving. When the watch is moved again a small motion detector “awakens” the watch, automatically setting itself to the correct time, with the hands taking the shortest path, whether clockwise or counterclockwise. The white luminescent dial features black Arabic numerals, and an outer dial with screwed Steel elements.
The élégante offered in this sale boasted a unique numeral “1” rendered in pink, given the watch’s one-of-a-kind status in raising funds for such an important cause, and is paired with a pink strap.
