Imagine bidding farewell to a rare piece of horological history—this is precisely what’s happening as Francis Ford Coppola prepares to auction off some of his most exceptional watches, including a one-of-a-kind, million-dollar timepiece. And here’s where the story gets truly fascinating… On December 6 and 7, during Phillips' renowned New York watch auction, seven extraordinary watches belonging to the legendary filmmaker will be up for grabs.
At 86 years old, Coppola has had the privilege of collecting some of the most coveted watches in the world—think iconic models like the IWC Portugieser, exquisite Breguet enameled pieces, and immaculate Patek Philippe designs. But among these, two stand out for their personal story and unique craftsmanship, both born from a close collaboration with master watchmaker François-Paul Journe. One of these, valued at an astonishing one million dollars, is a true testament to the artistry and innovation in haute horology.
This particular piece is the FP Journe FFC Prototype, a watch that tells a story far beyond its mechanical functions. It originated from a memorable conversation between Coppola and Journe at the filmmaker’s Inglenook Winery in Napa Valley back in 2012. Coppola, ever curious and creative, asked if a human hand had ever been used as a timekeeping element. That question sparked the idea for this remarkable skeleton watch, featuring a black hand with articulated fingers—an artistic nod to human anatomy—engraved with Journe’s signature on the back.
But why is Coppola selling these treasured pieces? The primary reason is financial—he’s aiming to recover a significant portion of the approximately $100 million invested in his passion project, Megalopolis, which he developed last year. Despite grossing $14.4 million, the film’s production cost him his vineyards, which he sold to fund his ambitious venture.
As for the other watches set to go under the hammer, they include a classic Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 3919, an IWC Portugieser Chronograph, and a Breguet Classique ref. 5140. These are expected to fetch between $6,000 and $12,000—though in the world of movie fans and collectors, surprises are always possible.
For those interested, the auction will take place at Phillips' New York headquarters, in partnership with Bacs & Russo, on December 6 and 7. The event follows a tour through London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, making it a global spectacle for horology aficionados—and movie buffs alike. So, what do you think—are these watches worth the price, or are they more about the story and the history behind them? Let’s hear your thoughts—would you bid on a piece with such a cinematic backstory?
