Phillips auction at the Geneva Watch Days 2025 raises CHF 185,900 for young watchmakers

High-quality mechanical watches are in demand – without a doubt. But what if the treasures acquired today need to be serviced or even repaired in a few years? That's when the experts – watchmakers – are called upon.

To support their training, the auction house Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo once again held an auction at the Geneva Watch Days, the proceeds of which will benefit the École d'Horlogerie de Genève.

This is the oldest watchmaking school in Switzerland and one of the most important institutions for watchmaking training worldwide. Founded in 1824, the Geneva Academy boasts an impressive list of graduates, including Christophe Claret, Roger Dubuis, Franck Muller, and Rexhep Rexhepi.

The entire proceeds of CHF 185,900 will go to the Pierre Amstutz Fund, a non-profit organization named after the former director of the Geneva Watchmaking School. The fund awards scholarships to watchmaking and micromechanics apprentices in financial difficulty.

A total of 19 lots went under the hammer of Phillips auctioneer Marcello de Marco. The objects and experiences were donated by brands participating in Geneva Watch Days. The top lot of the auction was a complete set of 35 "Minimilian" figurines, donated by MB&F, which fetched CHF 80,000.

This was the third edition of the Geneva Watch Days × Phillips charity auction. The three auctions have raised a total of CHF 403,900 to date, with 2025 being the most successful year to date.