Fine Watches

Patek Philippe

Retailed By A&C Feldenheimer: A yellow gold open faced chronometer, Made for Frederick Van Voorhies Holman in 1903

Lot Closed

March 19, 07:37 PM GMT

Estimate

15,000 - 25,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

Patek Philippe

Retailed By A&C Feldenheimer: A yellow gold open faced chronometer, Made for Frederick Van Voorhies Holman in 1903

Dial: white enamel, Breguet numerals, Louis XV hands

Caliber: 19"' ligne movement, guillaume balance, 21 jewels

Movement number: 121'964

Case: 18k yellow gold, personally inscribed cuvette, monogrammed hinged back

Case number: 236'327

Size: 50 mm diameter

Signed: case and dial signed by maker, movement signed by maker and retailer

Box: yes

Papers: yes

Accessories: Patek Philippe presentation box, Certificate of Origin that confirms the case is engraved with the monogram F. V. H., Extract from the Archives confirming the date of sale on November 28, 1904 and that the watch had an honorable mention at the chronometer timing contest in 1904, and copy of Observatory Timing Certificate

This Extra Quality chronometer was made for Frederick Van Voorhies Holman (1852-1927) in 1903 and was delivered in November of 1904. Before being shipped to the United States, the movement was submitted to the Geneva Observatory and earned an Honorable Mention. The adjuster for this chronometer was the celebrated J. Golay-Audemars. The patron of this timepiece requested his name to be placed on the cuvette as well as his monogram on the caseback. Even the original certificate mentions his initials ‘F.V.H’. Mr. Holman was a celebrated civic leader from Portland, Oregon, legal counsel to the Portland Rail, Light and Power Company, and president of the Oregon Historical Society for decades. Interestingly, he was obsessed with roses and is credited with giving Portland the nickname of the ‘Rose City’. Complete with its original box, papers, and extra crystal, this immaculately preserved work of art is a little piece of American history housing the best of early 20th century Swiss chronometry.