New York Auctions Bring an Extraordinary Selection of Patek Philippe Watches to Market

Presidential Provenance and the "Golden Rule" Watches

One of the standout lots at Christie's is a Patek Philippe Ref. 2526 "Golden Rule" signed by Tiffany & Co., a watch linked to the well-known Lyndon B. Johnson "Golden Rule" story.

The watch combines several highly sought-after characteristics, including the early Ref. 2526 case, a Tiffany signature and links to American political history. According to the auction listing, approximately 15 "Golden Rule" examples have surfaced publicly.

Christie's is also offering a rarer companion piece, the Ref. 2552 "Golden Rule" Calatrava. Manufactured in 1956, the watch features a cream dial bearing the "Do Unto Others" inscription and is accompanied by an 18k gold Tiffany & Co. bracelet. According to the auction catalogue, approximately three comparable Ref. 2552 "DUO" dial examples are known.

The Henry Graves Coin Watch

Among the most historically significant pieces in the New York sales is a Patek Philippe coin watch once owned by Henry Graves Jr.

Offered by Sotheby's, the watch was manufactured in 1925 and sold to Graves in 1928. It incorporates a United States Twenty Dollar Double Eagle gold coin and is believed to be among the earliest coin watches sold by Patek Philippe.

Graves remains one of the most influential figures in the history of watch collecting, best known for commissioning the legendary Supercomplication pocket watch. As a result, any object directly connected to him attracts considerable attention among collectors.

Tiffany-Signed Nautilus and Aquanaut Models

Several modern Tiffany & Co.-signed Patek Philippe watches are also expected to attract strong interest.

Phillips will offer a Tiffany-signed Nautilus Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5740/1G-001. Introduced in 2018, the reference marked the first perpetual calendar within the Nautilus collection.

The auction house is also presenting a Tiffany-signed Aquanaut Ref. 5168G-010, featuring a white gold case and the distinctive khaki-green dial introduced for the Aquanaut's twentieth anniversary.

Both watches are accompanied by complete collector sets and are described as being in exceptionally well-preserved condition.

Notable Neo-Vintage References

Collectors of neo-vintage Patek Philippe watches will find several important references among the auction highlights.

A factory double-sealed Ref. 5970P-001 perpetual calendar chronograph will be offered by Phillips. The reference is widely regarded as one of the defining modern perpetual calendar chronographs, combining a 40mm platinum case with the Lemania-based calibre 27-70 Q.

Another notable offering is the Ref. 5050J-019 perpetual calendar with retrograde date. Introduced during the 1990s, the model occupies an important place in the evolution of Patek Philippe complicated wristwatches and features a combination of perpetual calendar, moon phase and retrograde date indications.

Rare Artistic and Special-Order Pieces

Several watches highlight the artistic side of Patek Philippe collecting.

Among them is the Ref. 788/1 Gilbert Albert "Ricochet", an unconventional design created during the period when Gilbert Albert led Patek Philippe's creative department. Its asymmetrical case and sculptural appearance stand apart from the brand's more traditional designs.

Phillips will also offer a miniature enamel pocket watch featuring a Blue-headed Macaw scene executed by renowned enamel artist Anita Porchet. The piece reflects Patek Philippe's longstanding commitment to rare handcrafts and decorative arts.

Another unusual offering comes from Christie's in the form of a Ref. 5130G-013 World Time watch specially produced with "Guatemala" replacing "Mexico" on the world time city ring, a modification confirmed by its accompanying Certificate of Origin.

A Diverse Selection Across Three Auction Houses

Beyond the headline lots, the New York sales include an unusually broad range of historically important and highly collectible Patek Philippe watches.

From presidential provenance and Tiffany-signed rarities to Henry Graves ownership, rare handcrafts and special-order world timers, the auctions highlight the wide range of themes and collecting categories represented within the history of Patek Philippe.

For enthusiasts and collectors alike, the June sales offer a rare opportunity to see such a concentrated selection of important Patek Philippe watches presented in a single city over one weekend.