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Lot Essay
Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with Breguet numerals and painted enamel crest in 1903 and its subsequent sale on July 9th, 1904. Further accompanied by the original numbered wooden Patek Philippe presentation box, crystal and additional mainspring.
This lovely and rare two-train trip minute repeating split-seconds chronograph watch meets the criteria the most sophisticated collector seeks when considering a watch for his or her collection. The watch, brought to sale by descendants of the original owner, is one of only three known examples and until it came to Christie’s, it was believed only two examples existed.
Two train trip repeating watches are amongst the rarest movements produced by Patek Philippe due to their high cost and the difficulty and complexity to manufacture. In fact it is believed no other Swiss manufacturer ever produced trip repeaters. From research it is believed Patek Philippe produced these movements between 1899 and 1912 with many destined for the American market. Fewer known examples exist than the rare minute repeating perpetual calendar watch.
The beauty of the watch is further enhanced by the lovely enamel coat-of-arms confirmed on the Extract from Archives. The original owner Sinclair Berdan (1864-1938) came from Toledo, Ohio where the watch was sold by the retailer J. J. Freeman & Co. The Berdan family had a long association with the city; John Berdan (1831-1902) served as its first mayor. One of the intriguing aspects of this watch is the coat of arms held by two griffins and a five point crown under a rooster surrounded by the swag motto five point crown under a rooster with the swag motto Commit Thy Work to God, incorporated from the Clan Sinclair.
Fresh to the market and in exceptionally nice overall condition, the watch has remained unused for many years and will make a wonderful addition to any passionate aficionado’s collection.
This lovely and rare two-train trip minute repeating split-seconds chronograph watch meets the criteria the most sophisticated collector seeks when considering a watch for his or her collection. The watch, brought to sale by descendants of the original owner, is one of only three known examples and until it came to Christie’s, it was believed only two examples existed.
Two train trip repeating watches are amongst the rarest movements produced by Patek Philippe due to their high cost and the difficulty and complexity to manufacture. In fact it is believed no other Swiss manufacturer ever produced trip repeaters. From research it is believed Patek Philippe produced these movements between 1899 and 1912 with many destined for the American market. Fewer known examples exist than the rare minute repeating perpetual calendar watch.
The beauty of the watch is further enhanced by the lovely enamel coat-of-arms confirmed on the Extract from Archives. The original owner Sinclair Berdan (1864-1938) came from Toledo, Ohio where the watch was sold by the retailer J. J. Freeman & Co. The Berdan family had a long association with the city; John Berdan (1831-1902) served as its first mayor. One of the intriguing aspects of this watch is the coat of arms held by two griffins and a five point crown under a rooster surrounded by the swag motto five point crown under a rooster with the swag motto Commit Thy Work to God, incorporated from the Clan Sinclair.
Fresh to the market and in exceptionally nice overall condition, the watch has remained unused for many years and will make a wonderful addition to any passionate aficionado’s collection.