Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with 18K rose gold Louis XVI hunter case, enamel dial, black roman hour markers and small second hand in 1894 and its subsequent sale on 26 August 1901.
Made in 1894, this watch is the earliest example of such a "triple complication" by Patek Philippe featuring a hunter case as opposed to the more common openface version know to date. Research moreover reveals that only two other examples of these highly complicated timepieces are known to exist, further enhancing the extraordinarily rarity of the present watch.
This "triple complication" represents the state of the art in watch manufacturing from the heydays of complicated and ultra complicated timepieces, uniting the three main complications established at that time: the perpetual calendar for the astronomical functions, the split second chronograph for timing purposes and the distinct minute repeating for the acoustic pleasure.
The watch furthermore stands out by its excellent, original overall condition.
Nelson Beardsley Eldred
No. 97'452, made for Nelson Beardsley Eldred, Auburn, Cayuga, NY, May 1852 - April 1931, is testimony to an era when America's wealth could demand the only very best. The successful businessman Nelson B. Eldred was active in publishing, banking and held numerous honorary positions in local community organisations.
Made in 1894, this watch is the earliest example of such a "triple complication" by Patek Philippe featuring a hunter case as opposed to the more common openface version know to date. Research moreover reveals that only two other examples of these highly complicated timepieces are known to exist, further enhancing the extraordinarily rarity of the present watch.
This "triple complication" represents the state of the art in watch manufacturing from the heydays of complicated and ultra complicated timepieces, uniting the three main complications established at that time: the perpetual calendar for the astronomical functions, the split second chronograph for timing purposes and the distinct minute repeating for the acoustic pleasure.
The watch furthermore stands out by its excellent, original overall condition.
Nelson Beardsley Eldred
No. 97'452, made for Nelson Beardsley Eldred, Auburn, Cayuga, NY, May 1852 - April 1931, is testimony to an era when America's wealth could demand the only very best. The successful businessman Nelson B. Eldred was active in publishing, banking and held numerous honorary positions in local community organisations.