Complicated Collectors: James Ward Packard
James Ward Packard, co-founder of Packard Electric and Packard Motor Car Company, epitomized the intersection of engineering and horology through his remarkable collection of watches. His journey began with an early fascination for measurement and precision, which was cultivated during a Grand Tour of Europe. Packard's experiences led him to pursue a career in mechanical engineering, where he invented the Packard vacuum pump, revolutionizing the incandescent lamp industry. As he transitioned into the automotive field, his passion for watches grew, culminating in numerous commissions from renowned manufacturers like Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. His collection evolved into a blend of scientific inquiry and personal expression, reflecting both his professional life and his quest for precision. Packard's astronomical watch, completed shortly before his death in 1927, serves as a poignant symbol of his life’s work, encapsulating his interests in timekeeping and the relationship with the cosmos. The watch, featuring multiple complications including a perpetual calendar and sunset indications, represented not just a technical achievement but also a deeply personal connection to his hometown of Warren, Ohio. After his passing, his collection was bequeathed to the Horological Institute of America, highlighting the significance of his contributions to horology. The narrative surrounding his life and collection has often been overshadowed by a fabricated rivalry with Henry Graves Jr., yet Packard’s approach centered around collaboration and meticulous inquiry, leaving a lasting legacy in both engineering and watchmaking.
