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Lot Essay
Fresh to market, from the family of the original owner, and in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Christie’s is honored to offer one of the most collectible Patek Philippe Calatravas ever produced: a timepiece created especially for U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson by Tiffany & Co., New York. This exceptional watch is accompanied by its original and exceedingly rare sporty-chic 18k gold C+B Tiffany & Co. bracelet with additional links, and original Patek Philippe presentation box.
Notably, the present 'Duo' Calatrava is one of only approximately 3 known examples under reference 2552, as the majority of these special customized watches are reference 2526s, making it an extraordinary timepiece to acquire.
A Note from the Original Family"
My father and LBJ met in the mid 1930's while LBJ was serving as Congressional Aide to Congressman Kleburg. LBJ was in his 20s and my father was around 15. My grandfather was the Democratic Chair of a County in South Texas. Kleburg and LBJ came for dinner at my grandparents home. While Kleburg spent the afternoon with my grandparents, my father drove LBJ around the County campaigning on Kleburg's behalf.
When WWII ended, my father went to work for a prominent Texas Oil man who was very close friends with LBJ. They had adjoining ranches in the Texas Hill Country. LBJ often visited their offices in Houston. Although my father and LBJ were not close friends, my father told me that LBJ never failed to poke his head into my fathers office to ask how he was and ask about my grandfather. They remained acquaintances until LBJ passed in 1973. I know the watch was a gift to my father, but I cannot say with certainty if LBJ gave it to him."
The ‘Duo’ Golden Rule Calatravas: References 2552 and 2526
For many years, the origins of the Patek Philippe Calatrava references 2552 and 2526 bearing the inscription “Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You” (the so-called “Duo” or "Golden Rule" dial) puzzled collectors. Through extensive scholarship, it has since been established that these “Golden Rule” wristwatches were commissioned by then-Senator Lyndon Baines Johnson as prestigious gifts, ordered through Tiffany & Co. in the 1950s.
At least two examples are known to have been presented to prominent figures, including Senator George Smathers in 1956 and Senator Robert Kerr, while others were gifted to elected officials and key campaign supporters. Two such watches are preserved in the LBJ Presidential Library, including President Johnson’s personal example, and to the best of our knowledge, only 15 examples have resurfaced publicly, two of which are offered in this present sale.
Given their considerable cost at the time, these watches were undoubtedly intended for individuals of great importance. Historically, auction houses referred to these special dial watches as “Masonic” Patek Philippes—an attribution that may hold some relevance, as Lyndon Baines Johnson was initiated as a Freemason in 1937, though he is not known to have remained active thereafter.
Well known among discerning collectors, Tiffany & Co. in New York customized the original dials on special order for Senator Johnson. The present watch's metal dial omits the “Patek Philippe” signature and is signed solely “Tiffany & Co.” at the center—rather than along the upper periphery as seen on many other known examples, including President Johnson’s own watch. To the best of our knowledge, only three other “Duo” wristwatches are known with a similarly centered "Tiffany & Co." signature, in which another is offered in this present sale.
The movement is stamped “HOX,” indicating importation into the United States, consistent with other known reference 2552 and 2526s. Like many of President Johnson’s commissioned examples, the present watch is enhanced by its sporty-chic and highly rare 18k gold C+B Tiffany & Co. bracelet. To the best of our knowledge, it is the only known 2552 fitted with this bracelet style—an attribute that further elevates the desirability and ultimate collectability of this extraordinary Patek Philippe Calatrava. Incredibly, an additional fresh to market reference 2526 with the same bracelet and dial style is offered in the present sale.
Notably, the present 'Duo' Calatrava is one of only approximately 3 known examples under reference 2552, as the majority of these special customized watches are reference 2526s, making it an extraordinary timepiece to acquire.
A Note from the Original Family"
My father and LBJ met in the mid 1930's while LBJ was serving as Congressional Aide to Congressman Kleburg. LBJ was in his 20s and my father was around 15. My grandfather was the Democratic Chair of a County in South Texas. Kleburg and LBJ came for dinner at my grandparents home. While Kleburg spent the afternoon with my grandparents, my father drove LBJ around the County campaigning on Kleburg's behalf.
When WWII ended, my father went to work for a prominent Texas Oil man who was very close friends with LBJ. They had adjoining ranches in the Texas Hill Country. LBJ often visited their offices in Houston. Although my father and LBJ were not close friends, my father told me that LBJ never failed to poke his head into my fathers office to ask how he was and ask about my grandfather. They remained acquaintances until LBJ passed in 1973. I know the watch was a gift to my father, but I cannot say with certainty if LBJ gave it to him."
The ‘Duo’ Golden Rule Calatravas: References 2552 and 2526
For many years, the origins of the Patek Philippe Calatrava references 2552 and 2526 bearing the inscription “Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You” (the so-called “Duo” or "Golden Rule" dial) puzzled collectors. Through extensive scholarship, it has since been established that these “Golden Rule” wristwatches were commissioned by then-Senator Lyndon Baines Johnson as prestigious gifts, ordered through Tiffany & Co. in the 1950s.
At least two examples are known to have been presented to prominent figures, including Senator George Smathers in 1956 and Senator Robert Kerr, while others were gifted to elected officials and key campaign supporters. Two such watches are preserved in the LBJ Presidential Library, including President Johnson’s personal example, and to the best of our knowledge, only 15 examples have resurfaced publicly, two of which are offered in this present sale.
Given their considerable cost at the time, these watches were undoubtedly intended for individuals of great importance. Historically, auction houses referred to these special dial watches as “Masonic” Patek Philippes—an attribution that may hold some relevance, as Lyndon Baines Johnson was initiated as a Freemason in 1937, though he is not known to have remained active thereafter.
Well known among discerning collectors, Tiffany & Co. in New York customized the original dials on special order for Senator Johnson. The present watch's metal dial omits the “Patek Philippe” signature and is signed solely “Tiffany & Co.” at the center—rather than along the upper periphery as seen on many other known examples, including President Johnson’s own watch. To the best of our knowledge, only three other “Duo” wristwatches are known with a similarly centered "Tiffany & Co." signature, in which another is offered in this present sale.
The movement is stamped “HOX,” indicating importation into the United States, consistent with other known reference 2552 and 2526s. Like many of President Johnson’s commissioned examples, the present watch is enhanced by its sporty-chic and highly rare 18k gold C+B Tiffany & Co. bracelet. To the best of our knowledge, it is the only known 2552 fitted with this bracelet style—an attribute that further elevates the desirability and ultimate collectability of this extraordinary Patek Philippe Calatrava. Incredibly, an additional fresh to market reference 2526 with the same bracelet and dial style is offered in the present sale.