Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary filmmaker, is offering collectors a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a truly unique piece of horological art. His one-of-a-kind F.P. Journe FCC Prototype watch, featuring a human-hand mechanism to display time, is expected to fetch over $1 million at Phillips’s upcoming New York auction in December.
The Birth of a Unique Watch
The FCC Prototype’s story began in 2012 at Coppola’s Napa Valley winery, Inglenook. The filmmaker asked François-Paul Journe if a human hand had ever been used to indicate time. This simple question sparked years of collaboration, research, and design innovation, culminating in a watch unlike any other.
Technical Mastery and Innovation
Journe drew inspiration from Ambroise Paré, a 16th-century prosthetic expert, to create a functional human-hand automaton. The black-treated titanium hand mechanism is powered by the Octa caliber 1300.3 and remontoir d’egalité, all within a slim 8.1 mm movement. The design process spanned seven years, with Coppola finally receiving the watch in 2021. Journe also created a unique iteration for himself.
A Collector’s Treasure
Paul Boutros, Phillips’s deputy chairman, describes the FCC Prototype as “more than a watch—it is a singular work of art, a technical marvel, and a deeply personal object.” Its rarity, historical significance, and creative ingenuity make it one of the most important F.P. Journe timepieces ever auctioned.
Other Highlights at the Auction
Coppola’s collection at the Phillips auction also includes:
- F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance (Platinum, $120,000–$240,000)
- Patek Philippe World Time ref. 5130G ($15,000–$30,000)
- Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 3919 ($6,000–$12,000)
- Breguet Classique ref. 5140 ($4,000–$8,000)
- Blancpain Minute Repeater ($15,000–$30,000)
- IWC Portugieser Chronograph ($3,000–$6,000)
The auction will take place December 6–7, 2025, at Phillips’s New York event, offering collectors a rare chance to own pieces from Coppola’s prestigious collection.
