AUREL BACS
SENIOR CONSULTANT
PHILLIPS IN ASSOCIATION WITH BACS & RUSSO
“I love art, though I’m a lousy painter. I love music. I love singing to myself. I love vintage cars. I love vintage design. So, anything where artisanal quality and the romantic freedom of creation come together. That’s where I dream. And when I dream, I can forget my daily stress. Food is also an important part of my life. Sharing all of this with friends is probably the best part.”
Aurel Bacs has carved out a distinguished career in the watch auction industry, marked by his expertise, record-breaking sales, and deep passion for horology. Educated in Zurich, he completed his Swiss Maturity in 1990, followed by two years studying law and business at the University of St. Gallen and two years at the University of Zurich.
Aurel began his professional journey at Sotheby’s Geneva in 1995, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become the European Head of Watches. His tenure there lasted until 2000. He then moved to de Pury & Luxembourg as Head of Watches, and in 2001, he joined Phillips de Pury & Company as the International Head of Watches. From 2003 to 2013, Aurel served as the International Head of Watches at Christie’s, where he significantly increased annual sales and set numerous auction records.
After a brief sabbatical in 2014, Aurel co-founded the consulting firm Bacs & Russo and partnered with Phillips auction house. Under his leadership, Phillips has become a dominant force in the watch auction market, highlighted by the sale of the Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona for $17.8 million, a record for a wristwatch at the time. Simultaneously, Aurel was the President of the jury and jury member of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) from 2013 to 2020, seeing the award evolve into one of the watch industry’s notable events on the calendar.
Aurel’s profound knowledge and passion for vintage watches have made him a respected figure in the watch community, and his influence continues to shape the market today.