The Watch That Stole the Spotlight
On December 6, 2025, an F.P. Journe watch designed by director Francis Ford Coppola captivated bidders and collectors alike, selling for an astonishing $10.755 million at Phillips Auctioneers in New York. This event not only marked it as the sixth-most-expensive watch ever sold at auction, but it also raised eyebrows for its unconventional design, which has been derided as 'goofy' by some in the watch community.
From Filmmaker to Watchmaker
Francis Ford Coppola, the visionary behind cinematic masterpieces such as “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now,” isn't known for casual spending—especially not after admitting in March that he was nearly broke from financing his ambitious film “Megalopolis.” He took the auction route to keep his creative endeavors afloat, letting go of treasured timepieces that he once held dear.
Yet, it was his collaboration with F.P. Journe that garnered the most attention. This Swiss watchmaker is famous for crafting horological wonders that appear downright extravagant compared to the likes of Rolex or Patek Philippe. So, what's so special about the timepiece in question?
Inside the F.P. Journe Design
The F.P. Journe watch boasts an openwork design—a style allowing one to gaze at its intricate inner mechanics, affectionately termed a skeleton dial. The watch features a whimsical gloved hand that morphs as the hours pass, an aspect that's either mesmerizing or off-putting, depending on whom you ask.
Market Reactions
While the bidding began at a modest $1 million, it escalated at an alarming rate as collectors vied for this unique piece. Bids jumped in increments ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, indicating a frenzied and perhaps irrational bidding atmosphere.
“It's an extraordinary price, but the Journe market is on fire,” noted Andrew Shear, a seasoned watch dealer, highlighting the current fervor surrounding these luxury collectibles.
Watch Enthusiasts Weigh In
The reactions from the horological community were mixed. Watch enthusiasts often lean towards traditional aesthetics, and many were less than kind about the watch's design. “I would not wear it,” remarked Shear, capturing the sentiment that while it's noteworthy, it's not necessarily wearable for most.
Jacek Kozubek, who runs a platform dedicated to watch collectors, likened the F.P. Journe pieces to watches suited for real-life villains rather than charming heroes. Such critiques reveal the divisive nature of the luxury watch market, where opinions are as varying as the timepieces themselves.
The Secondary Market and Future Implications
Despite its polarizing design, the F.P. Journe watch is undoubtedly one of the hottest commodities in the secondary market today. Eric Wind, another dealer, commented, “The worst of the worst is trying to buy them.” This indicates that even the more niche designs are attracting fervent attention, suggesting that the market's appetite for contemporary artistry is far from waning.
Boutros from Phillips emphasized that each major watch brand appeals to different segments of buyers, ranging from ethical enthusiasts to those simply seeking status. The anonymous winner of the auction is yet another testament to the mystique that surrounds luxury timepieces; it's not just about functionality, but also about the story and status clutched within its frame.
Conclusion: In the Eye of the Beholder
Francis Ford Coppola's F.P. Journe watch encapsulates the quirky intersection of art, culture, and high finance. Whether you regard it as artistic invention or an overhyped accessory, the transaction swirls in a broader narrative of how we value creativity itself, especially in the volatile world of luxury. Beauty, as they say, is indeed in the eye of the beholder, and in this case, the beholders are more than willing to bid late into the evening to declare their love—or disdain—for a single piece of artisanal craftsmanship.
Source reference: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/06/style/francis-ford-coppola-watch-auction-fp-journe.html
