Sotheby’s to Showcase “The Olmsted Complications Collection” in New York
Featuring rare Patek Philippe double-movement watches and a one-of-a-kind paperweight clock
Sotheby’s New York has announced its upcoming fall auction, Exceptional Discoveries: The Olmsted Complications Collection, scheduled for a Live Sale on 8 December 2025 at 10:00 EST. The event marks Sotheby’s first watch auction at the iconic Breuer building and will feature a remarkable array of timepieces from the late Robert M. Olmsted. The sale highlights six decades of collecting by one of America’s most dedicated yet discreet horological enthusiasts. Olmsted’s collection includes historically significant watches once associated with legendary collectors such as Henry Graves Jr. and James Ward Packard, offering bidders a rare chance to acquire pieces that have never been publicly seen.
Patek Philippe’s Double-Movement Masterpieces
Among the highlights is the John Motley Morehead Double Movement Split Seconds Minute Repeating Watch from 1924, estimated between $500,000 and $1 million. Olmsted purchased the piece in 1965 from dealer Ephraim Greenberg while still a student at Princeton. The watch was originally commissioned by John Motley Morehead III, an industrialist, scientist, and former U.S. Ambassador to Sweden. It is one of only two known watches by Patek Philippe, or any maker, to feature two independent movements connected only by a shared winding mechanism. The crown winds each movement in opposite directions and locks once both are fully wound. The doré dial, noted for its functional layout, has led to speculation that the dual mechanisms were designed for astronomical tracking, reflecting Morehead’s interest in astronomy.
Another rare piece is a 1921 Patek Philippe open-faced minute repeater, also commissioned by Morehead and estimated at $300,000 to $500,000. This double-movement watch displays both civil and sidereal time through separate sets of hands. It maintains a doré dial with Roman numerals and a period-correct signature, highlighting the precision and craftsmanship of early 20th-century Patek Philippe design.
The Rare Patek Philippe Paperweight Clock
Olmsted’s acquisitions also include a silver Patek Philippe paperweight clock from around 1927, estimated at $500,000 to $1 million. Bearing movement no. 198.159 and case no. 292.119, it is one of only three known examples. The other two were owned by Packard and Graves Jr. and now reside in the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva. This newly surfaced piece represents a significant rediscovery for collectors, offering a rare opportunity to acquire a clock of exceptional provenance and historical importance.
What Makes the Collection Special
Beyond these headline pieces, the Olmsted collection comprises over 80 timepieces from renowned makers including Audemars Piguet, Abraham-Louis Breguet, Dent, Charles Frodsham, S. Smith & Sons, Henry Capt, A. Lange & Söhne, and Rolex. Many of these watches have remained unseen for decades and will appear on the public market for the first time.
Sotheby’s Chairman Emeritus of the International Watch Division, Daryn Schnipper, a longtime friend of Olmsted, was entrusted by his family to oversee the sale. The timing of this auction is significant, as U.S. tariffs on Swiss imports continue to affect the global watch market. By securing this collection for its New York sale, Sotheby’s strengthens its position for the final quarter of the year, ensuring strong interest from collectors and institutions alike.
For details and bidding information, visit Sotheby’s official website.
