PATEK PHILIPPE | RETAILED BY SHREVE, CRUMP & LOW CO, BOSTON: YELLOW GOLD OPEN FACED PERPETUAL CALENDAR MINUTE REPEATING SPLIT SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH WATCH WITH MOON PHASES MADE IN 1902

Dial: white enamelCaliber: 19'" ligne jeweled movementMovement number: 112340Case: 18k yellow gold, personally inscribed cuvette, monogramed hinged case backCase number: 229647Size: diameter 54 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Patek Philippe Certificate or Origin, Extract from the Archives confirming the year of manufacture in 1902 and sale on February 3, 1903, with enamel dial and black Roman numerals

CASE Weighing approximately 165.5g. Case in overall attractive condition with light surface scuffs and wear. Case possibly received previous professional polish. Repeating slide with wear. Chronograph locking slide with wear and signs of polish. Case back is monogrammed CWB. Cuvette is inscribed JMB to CWB. Crystal glazing with some scratches, especially a scratch between 10 and 11. DIAL Dial is overall very attractive with some very light dust. A very small chip between 7 and 35 under a loup. Edges of the enamel plates with some wear. seconds counter with three hairlines. A faint diagonal hairline at 5. MOVEMENT All complications are operating, date phases at 12 o'clock. The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The present lot is an exceptional example of an early 20th century highly complicated watch from Patek Philippe, a crown jewel of the firm's production. It features three important complications: the perpetual calendar for astronomical functions, the split seconds chronograph for timing two events at once, and a fine minute repeating complication which chimes the hours and minutes, activated from a slide at the case band. The original owner, Clarence W. Barron, received this piece as a gift from his wife.  To this day, Barron is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of the Dow Jones & Company.  Barron worked for a number of newspapers throughout his life, eventually founding the Boston News Bureau and the Philadelphia Bureau.  He specialized in financial journalism, and when he bought the Dow Jones & Company in 1903, he became de facto manager of the Wall Street Journal as well.  He gained a reputation for deeply scrutinizing corporate financial records, and his investigatory work for the Boston Post helped to expose Charles Ponzi, leading to Ponzi's eventual arrest.  His stellar career has justly earned him the legacy as the founder of modern financial journalism.