Philips, in association with Bacs & Russo, will host its first New York watch auction with WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century on October 26th. Other than the previously announced top lot – the Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona owned by the legendary actor and race car driver himself, other pieces of the 50 exceptionally rare and iconic collectors’ watches are being announced gradually. Highlights from the action will be on exhibition in Taipei, Hong Kong, London, Seattle and Los Angeles, then returned to New York for the historical watch auction.

In addition to the record-breaking ‘Paul Newman’ Daytona, other lots that are worth paying attention to include: The world’s first perpetual calendar chronograph Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 (estimate: US$ 600,000 – 1,200,000);  Patek Philippe Ref. 1518’s successor Ref. 2499 (estimate: US$ 350,000 – 700,000); a stainless steel example of Rolex ‘Padellone’ Ref. 8171 (estimate US$ 400,000-800,000); the first perpetual calendar wristwatch to display a leap year indication Audemars Piguet Ref. 5516 (estimate: US$ 300,000-600,000); an early example of Rolex ‘Submariner Big Crown’ Ref. 6200 (estimate: US$ 250,000-500,000); and the independent watch masterpiece that is getting more attention from collectors in recent years, Philippe Dufour Duality (estimate: US$ 200,000-400,000).

Looks like there will be some real fights for these watches among the bidders.