The Ultimate Watch Auction: Francis Ford Coppola's FFC Prototype Sells for a Record-Breaking $10.755 Million
The world of horology and cinema collide in a spectacular sale, as Francis Ford Coppola's personal F.P. Journe FFC prototype fetches an astonishing $10.755 million at Phillips New York Watch Auction XIII. This sale surpasses the previous record for the most expensive F.P. Journe wristwatch, set at Phillips Geneva in 2024.
The auctioneer, Aurel Bacs, introduced the lot with a sense of awe, setting the stage for a record-breaking sale. The FFC prototype, one of only two in this configuration with a black hand and steel bridges, sparked intense bidding. Starting at a reserve bid of $1 million, the price quickly escalated to $3 million and then $5 million in rapid-fire phone-bidder rounds. The competition was fierce, with four phone bidders hanging in until the end, and the final battle between Isabella Proia and Alex Ghotbi resulted in a record-breaking sale.
The FFC's popularity among F.P. Journe's top VIPs, including its association with Coppola's friendship with the brand's founder, François-Paul Journe, contributed to its high demand. The watch is a testament to Journe's craftsmanship, constructed by his own hands and bearing tool marks unique to prototypes. The other example in this configuration is likely to be displayed at the F.P. Journe Museum in Geneva.
The auction also featured Coppola's personal Chronomètre à Résonance, which ignited his love for the brand and relationship with François-Paul Journe. This watch sold for $584,200, reflecting a significant increase in Journe values over the years. Coppola's connection to the brand and his willingness to sell watches if needed, as mentioned in a 1985 video, adds to the allure of these timepieces.
The sale of the FFC prototype highlights the growing interest in F.P. Journe watches and the unique appeal of Coppola's personal connection to the brand. The market's climb and the increasing interest levels make these watches highly sought-after, with Coppola's own FFC prototype becoming the most in-demand model from the brand's top VIPs.
