Watches

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

An auctioneer holds a gavel at a Phillips auction, with images and details of a wristwatch displayed on screens and attendees taking photos with phones.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 08, 2025

Phillips’ New York Watch Auction XIII Sets $43.5M U.S. Re...

It was an event filled with record-breaking moments. If there was any lingering question about the status of the luxury watch market, Phillips’ New York Watch Auction: XIII put it to rest. Closing out the auction house’s 10th anniversary year in association with Bacs & Russo, the sale totaled a jaw-dropping $43.5 million, making it the highest-grossing watch auction ever held in the United States. Adding to the excitement, the auction achieved a 100% sell-through rate by lot and value, extending Phillips’ streak of “white glove” New York watch auctions to five consecutive years. For collectors watching closely, it represents the continuation of a steady, confidence-driven climb at the very top of the market. Francis Ford Coppola The clear headline was F.P. Journe’s unique FFC watch from the collection of Francis Ford Coppola, a 1-of-1 prototype developed in collaboration with the legendary filmmaker. Designed to tell time using a single human hand, the watch sits comfortably in the history of true horology. After more than eleven minutes of competitive bidding from around the world, it hammered at $10.8 million, setting a new world auction record for both F.P. Journe and any independent watchmaker. The result also marked the most expensive watch sold at auction in the U.S. since Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona crossed the block in 2017, quietly reinforcing the idea that modern legends now sit alongside vintage icons. Top 10 Auction Sales F.P. Journe – Francis Ford Coppola FFC Prototype (2021)Sold for: $10,775,000 F.P. Journe – Chronomètre à Résonance “Sincere Fine Watches” (2006)Sold for: $3,690,000 Philippe Dufour – Duality “No. 1” (circa 1999)Sold for: $3,085,000 F.P. Journe – Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription No. 17” (2000)Sold for: $2,843,000 F.P. Journe – Octa Chronographe “Souscription No. 19” (2003)Sold for: $1,572,500 Philippe Dufour – Simplicity “No. 1” (circa 2002)Sold for: $1,168,400 F.P. Journe – Tourbillon Souverain, Steel Set (2015)Sold for: $1,130,300 F.P. Journe – Chronomètre à Résonance, Steel Set (2015)Sold for: $927,100 F.P. Journe – Octa Réserve de Marche “Souscription No. 17” (2003)Sold for: $774,700 F.P. Journe – Chronomètre à Résonance, Pink Gold (circa 2002)Sold for: $685,800 F.P. Journe – Francis Ford Coppola FFC Prototype (2021) Beyond that singular moment, the auction stressed just how deeply collectors are embracing independent watchmakers. F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour accounted for nine of the top ten lots, with Journe’s Chronomètre à Résonance “Sincere Fine Watches” example reaching $3.7 million, more than ten times its low estimate. Limited-production souscription pieces followed, proving that rarity, history, and mechanical integrity continue to trump hype. The same held true for Philippe Dufour’s Duality and Simplicity, both numbered 01, which together brought spirited bidding and strong results. Taken as a whole, The New York Watch Auction: XIII offered a clear look at where serious collectors are placing their attention, and why independent watchmaking continues to define the top end of the market. F.P. Journe – Octa Chronographe “Souscription No. 19” (2003) Source: Phillips' New York

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 12, 2025

$17.8M Patek Philippe Sets a New World-Record at Phillips...

The Patek of all Pateks just made its mark on the watch world. There are auction moments that feel bigger than the final hammer price, and the recent Phillips Geneva "Decade One" event offered one of those, with a sale that rocked the watch world. When it came time for the steel Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 to make its grand debut for all to see, the room held its breath. Only four of these watches are known to exist, and this particular example, believed to be the very first steel 1518 ever made, carries a kind of significance that exceeds numbers. Originally sold in 1944 to a Budapest collector, it tells the story of a company inventing the modern complicated wristwatch as we know it, back when the idea of a perpetual calendar chronograph was still something close to science fiction. What makes this reference so important isn't just how few exist, but how complete the story feels from day one. Built in 1943, the watch retains all the original details, including crisp lugs, authentic pushers, and a beautifully aged dial crafted by Stern Frères. Its movement even displays hand-engraved touches that today feel almost impossibly personal. Collectors have long called the steel reference 1518 a "holy grail," but that term only hints at its weight. It's the kind of watch that sits in the same space as a first-series Ferrari 250 GTO, not because it's shiny or expensive, but because it changed what came after it. To hold one is to touch a piece of how Patek Philippe defined modern watchmaking, and how Geneva itself became the heart of horological artistry. The eight-figure sale reminded collectors why watches like this matter in the first place. Looking past the record price and headlines, Patek Philippe's Ref. 1518 in steel represents an era when a wristwatch could both measure time and write its own history. For anyone who loves vintage horology, it's a moment worth pausing for, just to appreciate how far the craft has come and how pieces like this keep its story alive. Source: Phillips Watches

Three men in Mercedes-AMG Petronas team uniforms wearing headsets watch monitors intently inside a Formula 1 garage, with Toto Wolff focused on strategy alongside his team.

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 09, 2025

Toto Wolff's Race-Worn IWC x Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Wat...

A chance to own a piece of F1 history. While an infinite number of variables can determine a driver's success on track, time in itself remains the primary focus of racing across all types of motorsports. And before Formula 1 evolved into a tech-driven sport supported by the most innovative and precise tools, the common wristwatch served as the timing tool for both the weekend track members and Le Mans-winning professionals. It's the longstanding correlation between both worlds that IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 have highlighted in the partnership for the past 21 years. In yet a rare collaboration between motorsport and haute horlogerie, IWC Schaffhausen, Bonhams, and Laureus Sport for Good have come together for a remarkable charity auction. Up for bidding is one of only 100 pieces of the IWC Big Pilot's Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team, the very watch worn by the Mercedes F1 CEO and Team Principal himself during the recent Singapore Grand Prix. The watch, capable of withstanding more than 30,000 g of acceleration, was engineered by IWC's experimental division XPL and showcases the brand's all-new SPRIN-g PROTECT® system. The winning bidder will also receive a signed team polo shirt from Wolff as a personal touch to the already significant collector's piece. 2025 Singapore Grand Prix , Friday, Jiri Krenek Since 2005, IWC Schaffhausen has been a proud Global Partner of Laureus Sport for Good, an organization that uses the power of sport to help children overcome adversity. The Laureus Foundation Switzerland, which will receive all proceeds from the auction, supports over 15,000 children annually through six social sports programs aimed at inclusion, development, and well-being. Each year, IWC donates a unique timepiece to be auctioned at the Laureus Charity Night in Zurich, and this year's collaboration with Bonhams expands the opportunity globally through online bidding from October 15th to 25th. Now, Wolff's own race-worn watch will go under the hammer, with an estimate between CHF80,000 and CHF200,000 ($99,400 - 248,500). All Bonhams Cars Inventory Source: IWC Schaffhausen

At a New York Watch Auction hosted by Phillips, the auctioneer takes bids on a luxury wristwatch as a participant raises a numbered paddle and others watch the proceedings.

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 09, 2025

PHILLIPS' The New York Watch Auction: XII Exceeds $25 Mil...

New World Records set for F.P.Journe, Cartier, Harry Winston, and Bulgari. Phillips’ New York Watch Auction: XII capped off the season with a perfect sell-through and an impressive $25 million in sales, marking the ninth consecutive “white glove” auction in the city. These results show a strong collector demand for vintage watches and independent watchmakers, with bidding from over 70 countries. Patek Philippe led the charge, including a yellow gold Ref. 1518 that sold for $1.45 million (nearly four times its low estimate) and a rare stainless steel Ref. 570 that brought in over $1 million. Phillips continues to prove that New York is a hot bed for watch auctions, thanks to U.S. collectors and exclusive examples from Rolex, Audemars Piguet, A. Lange & Söhne, and Cartier. Patek Philippe, Ref. 1518 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Top 10 Sales 1) Patek Philippe, Ref. 1518 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, circa 1950 (Lot 20) - $1,451,500 2) Patek Philippe , Ref. 570 Calatravone “Three-Tone Breguet Numerals”, 1943 (Lot 95) - $1,066,800 3) F.P. Journe , Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique “T30”, 2014 (Lot 8) - $889,000 4) Harry Winston x F.P. Journe, Ref. Piece Unique Opus One Chronomètre à Résonance Piece Unique, 2002 (Lot 84) - $838,200 5) A. Lange & Söhne, Ref. 414.049 1815 Chronograph “2022 Best of Show, Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este”, 2022 (Lot 11) - $736,600 6) F.P. Journe , Répétition Souveraine Smoked Sapphire, 2023 (Lot 82) - $685,800 7) Audemars Piguet, Grand Complication Clock Watch with Grande and Petite Sonnerie, 1892 (Lot 26) - $508,000 8) Patek Philippe, Ref. 5213G-001 Perpetual Calendar Minute Repeater, circa 2013 (Lot 36) - $469,900 9) Patek Philippe, Ref. 5004G-015, 2010 (Lot 61) - $457,200 10) Biver, Carillon Tourbillon No. 1, 2023 (Lot 28) - $444,500 Stacked from 21 images. Method=B (R=8,S=4) Independent brands made their mark too, with F.P.Journe and Harry Winston’s Opus One hitting record highs. F.P. Journe’s Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique “T30” sold for $889,000, while a Répétition Souveraine brought in $685,800 after a six-minute bidding war. Harry Winston’s Opus One fetched $838,200, setting a new record for the series. Cartier surprised with every lot exceeding estimates like a yellow gold Coussin Bamboo “Jumbo” that beat its estimate by more than five times. A notable Rolex “Big Red” Daytona once owned by French F1 legend Jean-Pierre Jabouille added a motorsport touch to the weekend, selling for $215,900. With consistent results and growing international interest, Phillips is positioning itself for a promising future ahead. Shop All Luxury Watches For Sale F.P. Journe , Répétition Souveraine Smoked Sapphire Source: Phillips

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 02, 2024

Tom Brady's Piece Uniqué Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbi...

The auction includes everything from ultra-exclusive watches to game-worn jerseys! Along with his role as one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks to ever lay foot on a football field, with 22 seasons under his belt, Tom Brady also shares a passion for haute horology and collecting some of the world's most coveted watches. Even with the seven-time Super Bowl champion joining IWC Schaffhausen as a brand ambassador in 2019, his love for watches expands to other diverse brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, and many more. One of the most notable pieces in Brady's collection is his piece uniqué Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (Reference 26730BC.ZZ.1320BC.99), famously dubbed 'The Roast' after he wore it during Netflix's The Roast of Tom Brady. As part of RM Sotheby's upcoming auction event, The GOAT Collection: Watches & Treasures from Tom Brady, his beloved AP will be auctioned off alongside other jaw-dropping watches and sports memorabilia. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 'The Roast' takes shape as a white gold and diamond-set flying tourbillon, showcasing a custom salmon Tapisserie evolutive dail and 'Tom Brady' indexes set with calibré-cut and baguette diamonds. The open caseback offers a closer look at the Royal Oak's customized rotor etched with Tom Brady's signature. RM Sotheby's currently estimates the sale between $400,000 and $800,000. The auction is also set to feature other watches previously owned and worn by Brady, including a Richard Mille RM 35-03 FQ 'Baby Nadal' in blue and white quartz TPT, platinum, diamond-set Rolex Day-Date (Reference 228396TBR) with a meteorite dial, and limited-edition IWC Schaffhausen Pilot's Watch Top Gun Edition 'SFTI' (Reference IW3891-04.) If you're a sports memorabilia fanatic, you'll be excited to hear that Tom Brady's '2000 NFL Combine' worn shirt, 2021-2022 Tampa Bay Buccaneers game-worn helmet, University of Michigan 'Final College Game' worn jersey, and Super Bowl LI 'The Comeback' game-worn championship clinching quarterback wristband will also be crossing the auction block. RM Sotheby's live auction for The Goat Collection: Watches & Treasures from Tom Brady will launch on December 10th, 2024 at 7:30 pm EST from New York. The GOAT Collection: Watches & Treasures from Tom Brady Source: RM Sotheby's

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 31, 2022

Kodner Galleries Showcases Three Collector-Grade Watches ...

With names like F.P. Journe, Richard Mille, and Patek Philippe, Kodner is proud to offer an incredibly diverse selection for its South Florida event. As the market for luxury Swiss watches continues to grow in popularity, collectors and enthusiasts focus on brands and specific models that take shape more as long-term investment pieces. While many of these watches begin with a story of an older relative acquiring the timepiece for next to nothing, it's apparent that the watch world could not have seen prices dramatically increasing over the original retail price. Being the oldest auction gallery in Florida with over 100 years of experience, the professionals at Kodner Galleries specialize in buying, selling, and appraising high-end timepieces of this caliber. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Luxury Chronograph Watches As part of its upcoming Boca Raton auction featuring exquisite automotive icons, Kodner Galleries is proud to showcase three magnificent luxury timepieces from world-renowned watchmakers like F.P. Journe, Richard Mille, and Patek Philippe. From classic dress watches to racing machines for the wrist, the auction lineup showcases each watch manufacturer's pinnacle models, causing anticipation within the community like no other. Alongside these three pristine examples, Kodner Galleries is excited to be offering 24 other select timepieces during its Boca Raton auction on November 6th. View the listing of each luxury watch for sale at Konder’s Boca Raton auction event, by clicking on the links below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury watch news and releases. F.P. Journe Octa Calendrier Kodner Galleries Men's 2008 F.P. Journe Octa Calendrier Platinum Watch, Silver and White Dial, Double Sided Black and Brown Crocodile Bracelets, Platinum Clasp. Automatic self-winding movement. Case measures 40mm. Serial number 301-Q. Bracelet measures 9-1/4" L. Complete with boxes and papers. Price Estimate: $80,000 - $100,000 View Listing Richard Mille RM 11-03 Kodner Galleries New Richard Mille RM-11-03 18 Karat Rose Gold Automatic Flyback Chronograph Watch with Rubber Bracelet. Case diameter 42.0mm. New with box and papers. Price Estimate: $300,000 - $400,000 View Listing Patek Philippe Nautilus 5740/1G-001 Kodner Galleries Patek Philippe Nautilus 5740/1G-001 Perpetual Calendar 18 Karat White Gold Bracelet Watch Blue Dial. Automatic self winding movement. Case measures 40mm. Complete with box and papers. Price Estimate: $200,000 - $300,000 View Listing Source: Kodner

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 10, 2021

Phillips Auction Sets New World Record for Highest Price ...

Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, the world’s leading watch auction house, established two new world records during the first session of The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII, this Saturday, May 8. The records include the highest price for a Patek Philippe Worldtime two-crown wristwatch with cloisonné enamel dial, as well as the highest price for a yellow gold wristwatch ever sold at auction. Following a long bidding war between nine telephones, with particularly strong participation from Asia, the legendary Patek Philippe reference 2523 sold for US$7,819,059 to an anonymous phone bidder with Phillips’ International Business Development Director Pansy Ku. The “Silk Road” is the earliest ever made Patek Philippe reference 2523 with cloisonné enamel dial and one of the most sought-after and unobtainable timepieces in the world. Previously unknown, it is a first of its kind, an extremely important and rare yellow gold worldwide wristwatch with two crowns and cloisonné dial. For those looking for a more affordable Patek Philippe, click the link below to shop all the current models available. Shop Patek Philippe Watches Information/Media Source: Phillips For more Watch news, Check out Makes And Movements: 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale x Wilbur Automatic Launch Edition-JWB

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 14, 2020

Phillips "Racing Pulse" Watch Auction Sells $27 Million A...

Recently, we covered a few select special timepieces that were headed to the Phillips Auction in New York City as part of the Racing Pulse collection. The exquisite pieces featured in the auction included a Paul Newman owned Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 (Sold $5,475,000), a TAG Heuer Monaco, worn by Steve McQueen in the Le Mans movie (Sold $2,208,000), and a five-timepiece collection by Sylvester Stallone (Sold $3,100,000). The auction also sold countless other high-end luxury timepieces, totaling sales to $27,584,570. The story of the event is the TAG Heuer worn by Steve McQueen, as it is now holds the World Record for most expensive TAG sold at auction. Although hard to part ways with these top-notch examples, the new owners will enjoy their collector’s pieces until they sell again. Click the link below to see all of the watches sold at the Phillips Racing Pulse Auction. Phillips Racing Pulse Collection

By Andrew Nabors – June 05, 2018

Steve's McQueen's 1964 Rolex Heading To Auction

If you need a new timepiece, Steve McQueen's Rolex Submariner would make a nice father's day gift. The only watch Steve had engraved, he gave it to his stunt double after decades of working together. Stuntman Loren Janes worked with McQueen for 26 years, taking on roles in "The Towering Inferno", Papillon, The Thomas Crown Affair, and of course, Bullitt. Of Steve's 27 films, Loren took his place in 19 of them. So the back of this watch says: "TO LOREN, THE BEST DAMN STUNTMAN IN THE WORLD- STEVE"Staying friends to the very end, Loren stayed in contact as Steve went to Mexico in search of a cure for his mesothelioma. Loren lost his battle with Alzheimer's last year, so his son decided to have the watch restored by Rolex. After their home was destroyed in the 2016 California wildfires, Rolex decided to leave a trace of soot on the inside of the clasp. This shows the durability of their designs and offers a reminder of the tragic fire that destroyed Loren's home along with all his film memorabilia. Shortly before his death, Loren wrote a letter attesting to the authenticity, and it is accompanied by a detailed history from Rolex USA.Phillips is expecting the watch fetch an estimated $300,000 to $600,000.To learn more about this rare opportunity, click the link below for all the details from Phillips Auction House. Stay with us for all your celebrity automobilia.Learn More

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