A HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT PATEK PHILIPPE YELLOW GOLD OBSERVATORY CHRONOMETER
Patek Philippe EXTRA quality chronometer for F. V. Voorhies Holman, made in 1903, sold 1904
Watches and Accessories
This Extra Quality chronometer was made for Frederick Van Voorhies Holman (1852-1927) in 1903 and was delivered in November of 1904. Before being shipped to the United States, the movement was submitted to the Geneva Observatory and earned an Honorable Mention. The adjuster for this chronometer was the celebrated J. Golay-Audemars. The patron of this timepiece requested his name to be placed on the cuvette as well as his monogram on the caseback. Even the original certificate mentions his initials ‘F.V.H’. Mr. Holman was a celebrated civic leader from Portland, Oregon, legal counsel to the Portland Rail, Light and Power Company, and president of the Oregon Historical Society for decades. Interestingly, he was obsessed with roses and is credited with giving Portland the nickname of the ‘Rose City’. Complete with its original box, papers, and extra crystal, this immaculately preserved work of art is a little piece of American history housing the best of early 20th century Swiss chronometry.
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Chronometer Specifications
Reference Number: Pre-reference
Production Year: 1903
Original Date of Sale: November 28, 1904
Size: 48 mm
Material: 18K yellow gold
Dial Color: Enamel with Breguet numerals
Watch Movement: 19 ligne (EXTRA noted on movement)
Accompanied By: Extract from the Archives and copy of Observatory Timing Certificate, original box, original Certificate of Origin
CSKU: 1375
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