francis Ford Coppola is selling a one-of-a-kind F.P. journe watch he co-designed, estimated to fetch between $500,000 adn $1 million, to address outstanding debts, auction house Phillips confirmed Thursday. The watch, known as the FFC Prototype, is a collaboration between the legendary filmmaker and self-reliant watchmaker François-Paul Journe, and represents a rare intersection of cinematic and horological artistry.
The auction, part of Phillips’ Geneva Watch Auction XIV on November 12 and 13, comes as Coppola navigates financial pressures related to his independent filmmaking endeavors. While the sale reflects the pragmatic realities of funding artistic projects, it also offers collectors a unique possibility to acquire a piece of both film and watchmaking history. According to sources, Coppola, much like his characters, is willing to “go all in” and risk personal assets to realize his creative vision.
The FFC Prototype was conceived during the production of Coppola’s 1992 film Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Coppola, fascinated by past timekeeping, approached Journe with the idea of creating a watch that reflected the aesthetic of the era. the resulting timepiece features a black-treated titanium case and a distinctive, hand-crafted movement.
“he is trying to raise funds to offset some debt,” said Thomas Boutros of Phillips, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter. “That’s the reality of life, and he’s someone who goes all in and puts everything on the line. You have to respect that.”
alongside the FFC Prototype,Coppola is also selling his IWC Portugieser Chronograph,a watch gifted to him by a friend,with an estimated value between $25,000 and $50,000. Both timepieces will be offered as part of the Geneva auction,providing a glimpse into the personal collection of one of cinema’s most influential figures.