Importantes Montres de Collection

Geneva, May 15, 2011

LOT 564

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Curved ? The Personal Watch of Owen R. Skelton, One of the Founders of The Chrysler Corporation Patek Philippe & Co., Genève, movement No. 831259, case No. 614009, Ref. 2461. Made circa 1937, inscribed for Christmas 1937. Very fine and rare, rectangular curved, 18K yellow gold wristwatch.

CHF 12,000 - 17,000

USD 13,000 - 19,000 / EUR 9,000 - 13,000

C. Two-body, rectangular, polished and brushed, curved, straight lugs, hinged back engraved ?Owen R. Skelton, Edna to Owen, Xmas 1937?. D. Brushed silver with applied yellow gold Arabic numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds. Yellow gold feuille hands. M. Cal. 9''' 90, tonneau-shaped, rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 18 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to heat, cold, isochronisms and 5 positions, self-compensating flat balance spring, index regulator. Dial, case and movement signed. Dim. 40 x 22 mm. Thickness 10 mm


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-50-01

Good

Refreshed

HANDS Original

Notes

Owen R. Skelton (at the center) Began his career in the automobile industry in 1905, working for the Pope-Toledo Company and then the Packard Motor Car Company. He then worked for Studebaker where he met two other engineers, Carl Breer and Fred Zeder. This team became known in the automobile industry as the ?Three Musketeers?. In 1920, all three left Studebaker and formed their own company and they were soon hired by Walter P. Chrysler. The Chrysler Corporation was incorporated in 1925 and over the next several decades Skelton worked to redefine American automobile engineering. Own Skelton co-founded the Chrysler Institute of Engineering in 1933 and was given a seat on the Chrysler board of directors in 1937 after being named Executive Engineer. He remained on the Chrysler board until 1954. This Patek Philippe watch was given to Owen Skelton by his wife Edna at Christmas 1937. Edna Skelton left a legacy for the purchase of works of art for American Museums called the ?Edna Burian Skelton Fund?.