Francis Ford Coppola, the renowned filmmaker, has taken a bold step in financing his artistic endeavors. He is putting up a unique watch for auction, which he co-designed. The F.P. Journe FFC Prototype, crafted with an innovative time-telling mechanism, is expected to fetch at least $1 million when it is presented at Phillips auction house in New York City.
About the F.P. Journe FFC Prototype
The F.P. Journe FFC Prototype is a one-of-a-kind timepiece created in collaboration with independent watchmaker François-Paul Journe. The idea originated during a dinner at Coppola’s Napa Valley home in 2012. During this dinner, Coppola questioned whether a watch using a hand to indicate time had ever been made.
This question led to a multi-year dialogue that resulted in the creation of the watch. It utilizes a black-treated titanium hand, inspired by a historic 16th-century prosthetic design. The unique hand indicates the hours, while minutes are shown via a rotating white ring surrounding the open-work dial.
Auction Details
The auction, scheduled for December 6 and 7, will showcase seven watches from Coppola’s collection. The F.P. Journe FFC Prototype holds a special significance as Coppola wore it at the Cannes Film Festival premiere of his film Megalopolis in May 2024. Phillips, the auction house, is pricing the watch based on existing production models sold at around $1 million each.
Other Watches in the Auction
- Chronomètre à Résonance: Estimated between $120,000 and $240,000. A gift from Coppola’s late wife, Eleanor.
- Patek Philippe World Time ref. 5130G: Estimated between $15,000 and $30,000.
- Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 3919: Estimated between $6,000 and $12,000.
- Blancpain Minute Repeater: Estimated between $15,000 and $30,000.
- Breguet Classique ref. 5140: No reserve, estimated between $4,000 and $8,000.
- IWC Portugieser: No reserve, estimated between $3,000 and $6,000.
All watches will be publicly displayed at Phillips’ New York showroom from December 3 through December 5.
Coppola’s Passion for Collecting
Coppola is known for his appreciation of watches that carry historical significance. His love for timepieces began around 2008, and he has since focused on models with rich heritage. This passion mirrors his commitment to filmmaking, demonstrating his belief in the importance of artistry over financial gain.
As he embarks on this auction, Coppola embodies the spirit of artists who invest deeply in their craft, sometimes sacrificing financial security. His decision to sell these pieces reflects a pragmatic approach to managing the costs of his passion projects.
