H idden for decades, two extraordinary Patek Philippe watches from the Olmsted Collection have reemerged, each with twin movements, twin balances, and twin time displays that defy every rule of early 20th-century watchmaking. What began as a pair of minute repeaters has become a mystery that challenges even the most seasoned experts. Could they track solar and sidereal time… Or something else entirely?

Lot

Patek Philippe

An Extraordinary Discovery: Patek Philippe’s John Motley Morehead Double Movement Minute Repeating Split Seconds chronograph with register, two sets of hour and minute hands, and a pair of constant seconds dials, The only known Patek Philippe with 6 hands rotating from the center, Mvt. 197890, Case 410655, Made in 1924 and Sold in 1925

Estimate: 500,000 – 1,000,000 USD

Important Watches featuring Exceptional Discoveries: The Olmsted Complications Collection

8 December 2025 | 10:00 AM EST | New York

Lot

Patek Philippe

An Extraordinary Discovery: John Motley Morehead III's previously unknown and historically important ultra-slim double movement minute repeating watch with two sets of hour and minute hands and a pair of constant seconds dial, Mvt. 197.589 case 407.854, Made in 1920 and Sold in 1922

Estimate: 300,000 – 500,000 USD

Important Watches featuring Exceptional Discoveries: The Olmsted Complications Collection

8 December 2025 | 10:00 AM EST | New York

Join Sotheby’s Watches specialists as they decode one of horology’s most perplexing masterpieces ahead of Important Watches featuring Exceptional Discoveries: The Olmsted Complications Collection, taking place 8 December in New York, part of Luxury Week presented by EDITION Hotels.

Upcoming Auction

Important Watches featuring Exceptional Discoveries: The Olmsted Complications Collection

8 December 2025 | 10:00 AM EST | New York