Why Francis Ford Coppola's Unique Timepieces Are Up for Grabs
Get ready for a fascinating auction that will captivate watch enthusiasts and movie buffs alike! On December 6th and 7th, a selection of seven extraordinary timepieces from the collection of legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola will be up for grabs at the XIII New York watch auction hosted by Phillips (https://www.phillips.com/auction/NY080225/overview).
Coppola, the 86-year-old master of cinema, has had the privilege of acquiring some of the most exquisite timepieces in the world. From the classic IWC Portugieser to the exquisite enameled Breguet and the impeccable Patek Philippe, his collection is a horological treasure trove. But it's the two timepieces he crafted in collaboration with François-Paul Journe that have our attention, and one of them is valued at a staggering one million dollars!
The FP Journe FFC Prototype is a masterpiece born from a conversation between Coppola and Journe at the filmmaker's Inglenook Winery in Napa Valley in 2012. Coppola's curious question about the history of timekeeping led to the creation of this stunning skeleton watch with a black hand featuring articulated fingers and Journe's name engraved on the back. It's a true testament to the fusion of art and horology.
The auction is not just about selling watches; it's a strategic move to recover some of the $100 million Coppola invested in his ambitious passion project, Megalopolis, last year. The film, unfortunately, only grossed $14.4 million and resulted in the sale of his vineyards to finance the initial investment. So, while the FFC Prototype is the star of the show, other watches in the collection, including a Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 3919, an IWC Portugieser Chronograph, and a Breguet Classique ref. 5140, will also be up for auction with estimated values between $6,000 and $12,000.
If you're a movie fan or a watch enthusiast, mark your calendars for the auction at Phillips' New York headquarters, in collaboration with Bacs & Russo, on December 6th and 7th. It's a rare opportunity to own a piece of cinematic history and a horological marvel!
