Patek Philippe

• 19''' nickel lever movement, 40 jewels, bi-metallic balance, repeating on two gongs, 18k gold hinged cuvette engraved 1st September 1908 Horace S. Sears Weston Massachusetts • white enamel dial, painted radial Arabic numerals, subsidiary dials indicating month, date combined with seconds, day, and fan-form aperture displaying phases of the moon • 18k yellow gold case, minute repeating slide to the band, slide to lock the crown, split second button at 10 o’clock, coaxial chronograph button to the crown • case, dial, movement and cuvette signed

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be require. Movement working at the time of cataloging however may benefit from a service at the buyer's discretion. Dial in excellent condition with no hairlines or cracks. Case is in very good condition with extremely light normal scratching overall, hinges in very good tight condition, case closes securely and very tightly. Movement in very good condition with all functions working correctly, hands split and return correctly, day/date advances correctly. Repeat is in phase. Overall an extremely fine example of a very rare piece. Cuvette does retain crisp engraving by maker as well as date and 'Horace S Sears Weston Massachusetts.'
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Horace Scudder Sears (1855-1923)

Horace Sears, the son of the Reverend Dr. Edmund Hamilton Sears, grew up in the idyllic town of Weston, Massachusetts, a small town outside Boston. Sears began his career as a clerk for a Boston ship chandler selling canvas for sails and grew rapidly in his role. Before long, he co-founded the textile firm Wellington, Sears & Co., where he amassed his fortune. In addition to Sears’ business accomplishments, he was also a great philanthropist. 

In 1898, Sears started the development of his grand estate, Haleiwa, in his childhood home of Weston. Like many Gilded Age magnates, Sears hired only the best to help design and build his magnificent home in the style of the Renaissance Revival. The legendary Olmsted Brothers were commissioned to design the landscaping, and Arthur Shurcliff later added Italianate decorative elements to the landscape, such as fountains, terraces, and balustrades. The estate was completed in 1901 and it is relevant to note that the mansion housed a 200-seat theatre used to hold performances by the Friendly Society, a theatrical group that raised funds to benefit the First Parish Church. This was particularly special to Sears, as he was the President of First Parish Friendly Society.  

Sears was a prominent figure in Weston and dedicated much of his wealth to the betterment of the town. He was the driving force behind the Village Improvement Plan that created the Town Green. Additionally, the Sears Hall was named after Sears after his generous donation to the town hall in 1917.

It would only befit a gentleman of Mr. Sears’ standing to own a watch such as the present lot. Highly complicated, featuring perpetual calendar, split second chronograph and minute repeating, it embodies the apex of watchmaking. The first such known piece is recorded from 1887, and scholars estimate that no more than two such pieces might have been made annually.

Within a few years of the present lot’s sale in 1908, Patek Philippe would begin to receive commissions from now-celebrated horological patrons James Ward Packard and Henry Graves, Jr. With this investment in a timekeeping masterpiece, Sears was a pioneer of American turn-of-the-century magnates whose fortunes and curatorial eyes brought them to Patek Philippe.