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Own a Piece of Cinematic Time: Coppola's Legendary Watches Hit the Auction Block

The Financial Repercussions of a Cinematic Vision: Coppola's Strategic Move

Approximately a year after his ambitious 100-million-dollar film, 'Megalopolis,' garnered a modest 14.4 million dollars at the box office, Francis Ford Coppola, the iconic director, is turning to his personal collection of luxury watches to offset expenses. This strategic decision sees seven of the 86-year-old's magnificent timepieces heading to auction at Phillips's The New York Watch Auction: XIII, scheduled for December 6 and 7.

A Glimpse into Coppola's Distinguished Watch Collection: Beyond the Expected

Among the offerings are several luxurious watches one might anticipate from a discerning collector, such as Breguets with their intricate enamel dials, an IWC Portugieser chronograph, and a pair of elegant Patek Philippes. However, two particular pieces stand out, poised to captivate collectors: a unique F.P.Journe FCC Prototype and a platinum Chronomètre à Résonance.

The Genesis of Innovation: The F.P. Journe FCC Prototype's Unique Origin

The F.P.Journe FCC Prototype emerged from a compelling conversation between Coppola and François-Paul Journe at Coppola's Inglenook winery in Napa Valley in 2012. Inspired by Coppola's query about a watch that could indicate time using a human hand, Journe embarked on a seven-year journey to create this distinctive timepiece. It's noteworthy as the only watch Journe ever designed based on an external concept rather than his own.

The Intricacies of the FCC Prototype: A Fusion of Art and Mechanics

Drawing inspiration from a 16th-century prosthetic, the FCC Prototype showcases a central human hand with articulated fingers that denote the hours, while a rotating outer ring displays the minutes. To power this ingenious mechanism, Journe adapted his Octa caliber 1300.3, incorporating a constant force mechanism. Only a select few of these prototypes exist, including one specially engraved for Coppola and another for Journe himself, in addition to the unique FCC Blue crafted for the 2021 Only Watch auction.

Other Notable Gems: The Chronomètre à Résonance and Accessible Luxury

Beyond the FCC Prototype, which is estimated to fetch around $1 million, another highlight is the Chronomètre à Résonance. This watch, gifted to Coppola by his wife in 2009, is valued between $120,000 and $240,000. It embodies Journe's signature innovation, featuring dual oscillators that synchronize through resonance, a principle pioneered by horological masters like Abraham-Louis Breguet, enhancing accuracy. For those seeking a more attainable piece of Coppola's collection, other lots include a Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 3919 (estimated $6,000-$12,000), an IWC Portugieser Chronograph (estimated $3,000-$6,000), and a Breguet Classique ref. 5140 (estimated $4,000-$8,000).

A Timeless Legacy: Owning a Piece of Cinematic and Horological History

Acquiring one of these timepieces offers a dual connection to history. It's an opportunity to own an item once cherished by the visionary director behind classics like 'The Godfather.' Moreover, the proceeds from these sales will directly support Coppola's ongoing cinematic ambitions, potentially fueling his next grand project, reminiscent of the scale and impact of 'Apocalypse Now.'