In-Depth: The Mysterious Double-Movement Patek Philippe Pocket Watches
Sotheby’s upcoming auction in New York showcases two extraordinary Patek Philippe pocket watches with double movements, previously owned by American collector John Motley Morehead III. These remarkable timepieces feature a primary minute repeating mechanism alongside a secondary movement, both housed under elegant doré dials. The historical significance of these watches lies not only in their rarity but also in their reflection of early 20th-century American watch collecting, marked by a transition from decorative to technical complexities. The first watch, no. 197’589, built in 1920, exemplifies American taste with its sleek bassine case and distinctive dial featuring thick block Roman numerals and Breguet hands. The second watch, no. 197’590, completed in 1924, is larger and incorporates a split-seconds chronograph, showcasing advanced horological engineering. Both watches share a winding mechanism and demonstrate a blend of aesthetic and functional design, with estimates ranging from $300,000 to $1 million, highlighting their desirability among collectors.
