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Lot Essay
Previously owned by Reginald 'Pete' Fullerton, Grandson of Henry Graves, Jr., the present reference 3448 offered here for sale is an impressive example of the reference with superlative provenance.
Provenance: Formerly offered at Sotheby's, New York, June 14, 2012, 'Watches from the Collection of the Late Reginald H. Fullerton, Jr. and his Grandfather Henry Graves Jr.', lot 19.
Manufactured in 1973, the timepiece features a stunningly well preserved dial with perfectly clear markers and signature. It displays the “Aprior” mark on either side of the word “Swiss” at 6 o’clock and the minute divisions painted in batons, perfectly complementing the gold baton hour markers.
The 18k gold case is likewise very well preserved, with clearly legible gold marks and sharp, well-defined edges, now developing an attractive patina.
The Graves-Fullerton Reference 3448
Reference 3448 is one of Patek Philippe's best known perpetual calendar models and also one of the most easily recognizable thanks to its angular, architecturally designed case made by Antoine Gerlach. The model was introduced in 1962 and was at the time the first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch. It is thought that a total of only 586 examples were made, the majority in yellow gold cases. Few watches were cased in white gold and only two examples in platinum are known to date.
The movement is the celebrated caliber 27-460 that was upgraded and renamed caliber 27-460 Q with a perpetual calendar mechanism fitted on the movement plate underneath the dial. The caliber 27-460 Q is amongst the most sophisticated and lavish automatic movements ever made.
Reference 3448 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 288, and in Ore d'Oro by Jader Barracca, Giampiero Negretti and Franco Nencini, p. 45. For a further discussion of Ref. 3448 and other examples, see Patek Philippe in America by John Reardon, pp. 232-33.
Reginald 'Pete' Fullerton (1933-2012)
Reginald ‘Pete’ Fullerton, developed an acute passion for collecting under the watchful tutelage of his grandfather, Henry Graves, Jr. Arguably one of the greatest watch collectors of all time, Graves passed in 1953, leaving his collection to his daughter who, in turn, passed it to her son, Reginald Fullerton. Fullerton inherited one of the most important collections of watches ever assembled – and went on to put together an impressive collection of his own.
Born in the midst of the Great Depression in 1933, just a few months after his grandfather took possession of the Patek Philippe Supercomplication, Reginald ‘Pete’ Fullerton inherited a life of privilege at the pinnacle of New York society. His mother, Gwendolen Graves Fullerton, was the daughter of notable collector Henry Graves, Jr. His father, Reginald Fullerton, came from the same tight circle of well-connected, pedigreed New York families. As a child, Pete eagerly spent time with his grandfather and observed him meticulously care for his extensive collection of timepieces. Pete addressed Henry Graves, Jr. as ‘Grandfather’, a name said with deep respect and admiration for the man who had immeasurable impact on both Pete’s character and interests. Pete’s desire to be closer to his grandfather developed into a true appreciation for watches and a desire to assemble his own collection.
Educated at Westminster School in Simsbury, CT and Phillips Academy in Andover, MA, young Pete often accompanied his grandfather to visits to the Henri Stern Watch Agency and Tiffany & Co. in New York and observed attentive staff cater to his grandfather’s needs. Only after Henry Graves, Jr. passed in 1953 did Fullerton acquire his first Patek Philippe watch five months to the day after his grandfather passed away. He chose a Ref. 1578 purchased for 1000 Swiss francs ($234). He went on to study business at Yale University, completing his degree in 1953, before joining the family business.
Fullerton followed his father into finance and joined Bankers Trust, quickly ascending to Vice President, the youngest in the company’s storied history. During these years of long hours and relentless work, his greatest pleasure was travel and he embarked upon numerous trips to Europe and Africa. On a trip to Geneva in 1960 with his mother Gwendolen, Fullerton celebrated his early success at Bankers Trust with a purchase of a reference 2497 in prototype case.
After his mother’s death in 1969, Fullerton inherited the Henry Graves, Jr. collection. Fullerton found himself the caretaker of one of the world’s greatest watch collections, including the Patek Philippe Supercomplication (the world’s most complicated watch at the time). During this decade and the decade to follow, mechanical watchmaking entered a period of profound quiet in the wake of the quartz revolution. Fullerton’s continued appreciation of fine mechanical timepieces was nearly unique in a world that was rapidly moving toward more groundbreaking technologies. Although he did eventually decide to part with select examples of his Grandfather’s collection, including the Supercomplication, Fullerton kept the majority intact out of respect to his grandfather’s memory and the sheer enjoyment he felt being the family steward of these rare mechanical timepieces.
Inspired by his grandfather’s extraordinary collection, Fullerton was determined to quietly and discretely make his own mark in the world of watch collecting to connect with and complement his grandfather’s legacy. As the appreciation for fine mechanical timepieces returned in the 1980s, Fullerton interest in acquiring select timepieces was reignited as he retired from the family bank. Approximately 50 Patek Philippe timepieces were looked after by Pete during his lifetime as he continued to collect verticals of watches based on themes developed by his grandfather. After acquiring the prototype 2497 and a 3940, for example, he hunted to find a 3448 (the presently offered lot) and later a reference of a 3450 with a special dial. Only Patek Philippe was allowed to service and care for his watches while under his stewardship.
Although in private, he was dedicated to preserving and continuing the family legacy, his public life was fully dedicated to the numerous local social organizations and charities close to his heart. Widely known in his community as a gentleman and philanthropist, Pete was a cornerstone of the local social fabric as a longstanding member and trustee of several social clubs in New York and Watch Hill. His passion for the protection and conservation of animals both on a local and international scale most captured his imagination. His passion for animals was a topic he most enjoyed discussing with acquaintances and close friends. Indeed, two of his constant companions were his dogs who would accompany him during his nightly ritual of winding and taking care of his family collection.
For Pete, each watch represented his ties to family history, a story of a personal accomplishment, and a legacy for the future. His passion for collecting was the one constant throughout his life, carefully developed under the watchful eye of his grandfather - one which he furthered in his own right.
Provenance: Formerly offered at Sotheby's, New York, June 14, 2012, 'Watches from the Collection of the Late Reginald H. Fullerton, Jr. and his Grandfather Henry Graves Jr.', lot 19.
Manufactured in 1973, the timepiece features a stunningly well preserved dial with perfectly clear markers and signature. It displays the “Aprior” mark on either side of the word “Swiss” at 6 o’clock and the minute divisions painted in batons, perfectly complementing the gold baton hour markers.
The 18k gold case is likewise very well preserved, with clearly legible gold marks and sharp, well-defined edges, now developing an attractive patina.
The Graves-Fullerton Reference 3448
Reference 3448 is one of Patek Philippe's best known perpetual calendar models and also one of the most easily recognizable thanks to its angular, architecturally designed case made by Antoine Gerlach. The model was introduced in 1962 and was at the time the first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch. It is thought that a total of only 586 examples were made, the majority in yellow gold cases. Few watches were cased in white gold and only two examples in platinum are known to date.
The movement is the celebrated caliber 27-460 that was upgraded and renamed caliber 27-460 Q with a perpetual calendar mechanism fitted on the movement plate underneath the dial. The caliber 27-460 Q is amongst the most sophisticated and lavish automatic movements ever made.
Reference 3448 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 288, and in Ore d'Oro by Jader Barracca, Giampiero Negretti and Franco Nencini, p. 45. For a further discussion of Ref. 3448 and other examples, see Patek Philippe in America by John Reardon, pp. 232-33.
Reginald 'Pete' Fullerton (1933-2012)
Reginald ‘Pete’ Fullerton, developed an acute passion for collecting under the watchful tutelage of his grandfather, Henry Graves, Jr. Arguably one of the greatest watch collectors of all time, Graves passed in 1953, leaving his collection to his daughter who, in turn, passed it to her son, Reginald Fullerton. Fullerton inherited one of the most important collections of watches ever assembled – and went on to put together an impressive collection of his own.
Born in the midst of the Great Depression in 1933, just a few months after his grandfather took possession of the Patek Philippe Supercomplication, Reginald ‘Pete’ Fullerton inherited a life of privilege at the pinnacle of New York society. His mother, Gwendolen Graves Fullerton, was the daughter of notable collector Henry Graves, Jr. His father, Reginald Fullerton, came from the same tight circle of well-connected, pedigreed New York families. As a child, Pete eagerly spent time with his grandfather and observed him meticulously care for his extensive collection of timepieces. Pete addressed Henry Graves, Jr. as ‘Grandfather’, a name said with deep respect and admiration for the man who had immeasurable impact on both Pete’s character and interests. Pete’s desire to be closer to his grandfather developed into a true appreciation for watches and a desire to assemble his own collection.
Educated at Westminster School in Simsbury, CT and Phillips Academy in Andover, MA, young Pete often accompanied his grandfather to visits to the Henri Stern Watch Agency and Tiffany & Co. in New York and observed attentive staff cater to his grandfather’s needs. Only after Henry Graves, Jr. passed in 1953 did Fullerton acquire his first Patek Philippe watch five months to the day after his grandfather passed away. He chose a Ref. 1578 purchased for 1000 Swiss francs ($234). He went on to study business at Yale University, completing his degree in 1953, before joining the family business.
Fullerton followed his father into finance and joined Bankers Trust, quickly ascending to Vice President, the youngest in the company’s storied history. During these years of long hours and relentless work, his greatest pleasure was travel and he embarked upon numerous trips to Europe and Africa. On a trip to Geneva in 1960 with his mother Gwendolen, Fullerton celebrated his early success at Bankers Trust with a purchase of a reference 2497 in prototype case.
After his mother’s death in 1969, Fullerton inherited the Henry Graves, Jr. collection. Fullerton found himself the caretaker of one of the world’s greatest watch collections, including the Patek Philippe Supercomplication (the world’s most complicated watch at the time). During this decade and the decade to follow, mechanical watchmaking entered a period of profound quiet in the wake of the quartz revolution. Fullerton’s continued appreciation of fine mechanical timepieces was nearly unique in a world that was rapidly moving toward more groundbreaking technologies. Although he did eventually decide to part with select examples of his Grandfather’s collection, including the Supercomplication, Fullerton kept the majority intact out of respect to his grandfather’s memory and the sheer enjoyment he felt being the family steward of these rare mechanical timepieces.
Inspired by his grandfather’s extraordinary collection, Fullerton was determined to quietly and discretely make his own mark in the world of watch collecting to connect with and complement his grandfather’s legacy. As the appreciation for fine mechanical timepieces returned in the 1980s, Fullerton interest in acquiring select timepieces was reignited as he retired from the family bank. Approximately 50 Patek Philippe timepieces were looked after by Pete during his lifetime as he continued to collect verticals of watches based on themes developed by his grandfather. After acquiring the prototype 2497 and a 3940, for example, he hunted to find a 3448 (the presently offered lot) and later a reference of a 3450 with a special dial. Only Patek Philippe was allowed to service and care for his watches while under his stewardship.
Although in private, he was dedicated to preserving and continuing the family legacy, his public life was fully dedicated to the numerous local social organizations and charities close to his heart. Widely known in his community as a gentleman and philanthropist, Pete was a cornerstone of the local social fabric as a longstanding member and trustee of several social clubs in New York and Watch Hill. His passion for the protection and conservation of animals both on a local and international scale most captured his imagination. His passion for animals was a topic he most enjoyed discussing with acquaintances and close friends. Indeed, two of his constant companions were his dogs who would accompany him during his nightly ritual of winding and taking care of his family collection.
For Pete, each watch represented his ties to family history, a story of a personal accomplishment, and a legacy for the future. His passion for collecting was the one constant throughout his life, carefully developed under the watchful eye of his grandfather - one which he furthered in his own right.