Exclusive Patek Philippe auction in Stuttgart: Eppli auctions top pieces worth millions

On 5 September, the family business, which has just opened its new auction house in Stuttgart , 25 Patek Philippe watches will go under the hammer. Among them are coveted classics like the "Nautilus" and the "Ellipse," as well as true rarities.

"We were able to secure exquisite pieces for this special auction that would otherwise appear at Sotheby's, Christie's, or Phillips, in New York, Geneva, or Hong Kong—but only extremely rarely in Stuttgart. We are very proud of this."

Eppli watch expert Peter Dwornik.

Strictly limited highlight: “Grande Complication” Reference 5016R-010

One of the highlights is the “Grande Complication” with the reference 5016R-010 (catalogue number 22), which is one of the most complicated watches ever made by Patek Philippe.

"Should the object be successful, it would be the highest selling price for a watch in Eppli's history. The record is currently held by a Patek Philippe pocket watch, which changed hands for 260,000 euros in our Best Of auction in 2023," says Dwornik.

The reference 5016 was produced from 1993 to 2011, albeit with a total production run of only approximately 200 pieces. It combines a tourbillon, a minute repeater, and a perpetual calendar in a 36.7-millimeter 18-carat rose gold case.

The hand-wound RTO 27 PS-QR movement (pictured left) consists of 356 individual parts and features a retrograde date display, as well as a moon phase and leap year indicator. The tourbillon and repeater can be viewed at work through the caseback window.

The watch was originally owned by an elderly gentleman from the greater Stuttgart area, who purchased it in 2006 from Beyer in Zurich, the oldest watch shop in the world. It is offered as a full set with the original box, warranty certificate, chronometer certificate, additional rose gold case back, and setting pin.

The estimated price is €400,000 to €850,000.

Record-breaking: “Rare Handcrafts” minute repeater Reference 7040/250G-001

The "Rare Handcrafts" minute repeater Reference 7040/250G-001 (catalog number 20) in white gold could also fetch a record-breaking price. The hand-guilloched gold dial is coated with blue Grand Feu enamel. The bezel is set with a double row of 168 diamonds, framed in a "flame" technique.

“The watch is a current ladies’ model, which can be purchased at our auction for a price that is well below the current new price,” explains Dwornik.

The starting price is 240,000 euros including premium, with an estimated price of up to 450,000 euros.

Vintage Patek Philippe with the additional signature “Beyer”

Another highlight is Reference 3940 (catalog number 15): an extremely rare vintage Patek Philippe with the additional signature "Beyer" on the dial. Launched in 1985 to celebrate the 225th anniversary of Beyer Jewelers, this model was also intended to highlight the close friendship between the then owners, Philippe Stern and Theodore Beyer.

The piece up for auction at Eppli comes from the first series and, in addition to the special dial, features an automatic manufacture movement of caliber 240-Q with perpetual calendar.

The watch will be auctioned for 40,000 euros.

“Disco Volante”: “Calatrava” reference 2551

Also of great technical interest is the "Calatrava" reference 2551 (catalog number 10) from the 1950s, also known by the nickname "Disco Volante." What makes this watch special is its automatic movement: the legendary caliber 12-600 AT. It is Patek Philippe's very first self-winding movement. It is considered by collectors to be one of the finest automatic movements in watch history. This watch, too, is signed "Beyer" on the dial, further increasing its desirability.

The starting price for this exciting piece of watch history is €12,000 including premium.

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The "Patek Only" special auction will take place on September 5, 2025, starting at 2 p.m. at the new Eppli store at Sporerstraße 8 in Stuttgart. The watches are already on display there for previews. Live bidding is also possible from anywhere in the world. An overview of all the items being auctioned and their starting prices can also be found on the Eppli website.