Bonhams Spring Watch Auction is coming up and I wanted to highlight one piece that caught my eye — Lot 43, a yellow gold pocket watch owned by sensational escape artist Harry Houdini.  The watch, a minute repeater chronograph with calendar and moon phase (of unknown manufacture) was given to Houdini in 1914 by his English manager, Harry Day, and is inscribed “To my dear pal Houdini | From his Sincere friend | Harry Day | May 1914″.  The lot notes also mention that a photograph of Houdini is included in the back lid of the watch.  After Houdini’s death in 1925, the watch was given to his nephew, Harry White.  What also struck me was the pre-sale estimate — just $10,000-15,000.  Not bad for a handsome pocket watch — and a photo — of one of history’s more interesting characters.  This pocket watch’s unique history will most certainly have magical appeal at auction!

Harry Houdini’s Pocket Watch

59mm 18k yellow gold, hunter case, minute repeater chronograph with calendar and moon phase

 back lid contains photograph of Houdini

Inscribed:

“To my dear pal

Houdini

From his

Sincere friend

Harry Day

May 1914″

Did You Know?

The celebrated escape artist known as Harry Houdini (1874-1926) was born into a rabbinical family in Budapest as Erik Weisz. After his family relocated to New York City, Houdini, a star athlete in his youth, developed a keen interest in magic. Houdini named himself after celebrated French conjurer and clockmaker, Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, whose clocks we will be featuring in our autumn Furniture and Decorative Arts Sale. In 1899, Houdini began working the vaudeville circuit and became famous for his handcuff tricks, earning the name “Handcuff Harry.” After escaping from numerous jails, straitjackets, chains, ropes, and one infamous Chinese Water Torture Cell, Houdini passed away at the age of fifty-two due to peritonitis from a ruptured appendix.

I’ve been following and intrigued by an increasingly publicized battle between Australian watchmakers and Swiss watch brands that I wanted to highlight.  Now let me warn you that this is definitely “inside baseball”, but I also believe that this matter does ultimately (and covertly) impact the average everyday watch owners, collectors & enthusiasts in the form of higher prices.

It all starts with this fella whose blog I enjoy reading from time to time, Nick Hacko.  He is an independent watchmaker who l lives in Australia, and he is none too happy about the big Swiss watch brands (e.g. Rolex and others) restricting or outright denying his ability to obtain watch parts.  In a sense he feels that his livelihood is being threatened, and on this case he seems to make a persuasive argument.  However, as I am not well informed on the issue, I’m not going to take sides.  I’ll just point interested readers to some of the Nick Hacko’s writings and let you decide.  Also be sure to visit Save-The-Time.org for more information.

Nick Hacko:  How Was Your Day?  (a tongue in cheek presentation of the problem)

Nick Hack Interviews Local Australian Watchmakers Who Are Also Being Restricted by Switzerland

Nick Hacko “Save the Time” PR: Sydney Morning Herald, Jeweller Magazine

On one hand, I will say that that I think it would be a real shame to see independent watchmakers forced out of business because they are unable to obtain spare parts for their customers.  As a consumer, this means that the cost of owning a watch could go up dramatically because there is no competition amongst watch service/repair companies who want my business.   Getting a watch serviced/repaired by some Manufactures is already a very costly — and time-consuming — undertaking.  It is a basic matter of economics — if Rolex Geneva is the only place I can get my watch properly serviced and repaired because they are the only ones with the proper tools and parts, well then that gives them a tremendous amount of pricing power over me the consumer. On the other hand, I can also argue that brands like Rolex design and produce the parts for their watches and thus they can choose to sell — or not — to whomever they so desire.

I’m monitoring this situation to see how it unfolds.  If anything interesting rises to the occasion, I will post another note.  Any comments or particularly keen insights, please do leave a comment below as I would like to properly educate myself.

Perpetuelle.com has partnered with Govberg Watch Repair (Philadelphia, PA) to offer you affordable, efficient watch repair and service.  I am excited to offer this service through Perpetuelle because Govberg really offers a great deal that you rarely if ever see anywhere else — FREE Estimates and FREE Return Shipping even if you decide not to have your watch serviced/repaired by them.  Perpetuelle readers receive at no extra cost to them a 12-month warranty on all work by Govberg’s master watchmakers, too.  Govberg is experienced with virtually every brand — from Audemars Piguet, Patek, Rolex, Panerai, and Breitling on down to Seiko, Swiss Army and the like.

Click on the banner below, or the “Watch Repair/Service” link in the upper right corner of the page (above the Search box) for more details and some basic FAQs.

This one comes to us from Tom Mulraney, Executive Editor over at The Watch Lounge:  Swedish auction house Kaplans will soon be offering three pieces from legendary watchmaker Svend Andersen. I first came to know of Svend Andersen via Linde Werdelin and its SpidoLite SA (“SA” = Svend Andersen, he did the movement), and more intimately through author/journalist Michael Clerizo’s fantastic book, Masters of Contemporary Watchmaking.   Among many lots in the Kaplans auction, tThe Andersen pieces to be sold are the Orbita Lunae, Perpetual Secular Calendar, and Montre a Tract; all are estimated to hammer at under $15,000, which seems like a remarkable opportunity to own an original piece from Svend Andersen.  At these prices, I think that there is great long-term collectors opportunity here.    Click through to the article as Tom has some great background on Andersen, as well as a look at all three pieces up for auction.    Good find, Tom!

The Kaplans “Important Watches” auction starts tomorrow….get in on the action here.

Svend Andersen Perpetual Secular Calendar

Jetman to tower***request Flyby *** Christ the Redeemer***

It doesn’t get any better than this! Breitling-sponsored Yves “Jetman” Rossy once again pushed the boundaries of aviation by completing a fabulous flight above the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  Perpetuelle readers know that the Jetman is an airborne pioneer, the only man to fly with a rigid carbon-kevlar jetwing equipped with four jet engines.  The jet engines propel the Swiss aviator at a speed of 125-185 mph (200-300 km/h), controlled by a simple hand-held throttle.  To adjust his trajectory and his altitude, Rossy relies exclusively on maneuvering his body, shoulders and legs.  The entire feat lasted 11 minutes 35 seconds in all — culminating in a landing on Copacabana Beach.  Gotta love it!  Check him out at www.jetman.com

More Jetman Rossy>>> Jetman Flies With the Breitling Wingwalkers, Jetman Flies the Grand Canyon

 Jetman Flies Rio – EPIC VIDEO

“Jetman” Yves Rossy flying near the Christ the Redeemer statue — EPIC!!

In the latest edition of FORBES magazine, widely-published watch journalist Jack Forster, in his multi-faceted article Time Bandits (pages 156-160 of the May 7, 2012 issue), resurrects the story of the now infamous “Howard Hughes” Patek Philippe watch which sold at auction in June 2010 for $254,500.  Unfortunately (though unintentionally), Perpetuelle was not credited for the brief mention that the story received in FORBES.   Yes, while “infamous” is perhaps a bit strong to describe the notoriety of this event, the Curious Case of the “Howard Hughes” Patek Philippe was a story that originated here at Perpetuelle.com, and for those of you who missed it the first time around, follow me now as I recount the saga.  This is one interesting story!

It started in June 2010 with a Patek Philippe Ref. 1463 watch to be auctioned by Christie’s — the watch was purportedly of great provenance, a gift to a Mr. Donald Woolbright from the late billionaire, investor, aviator, & film producer-turned philanthropist Howard Hughes.  What a watch to own, eh?!  Christie’s was certainly not shy in playing up the Howard Hughes connection of the watch.  Naturally, I featured the watch on Perpetuelle on June 3, 2010, expressing admiration for Hughes and excitement for the auction.  Not so fast, though — an unsolicited and completely out-of-the-blue comment by one Paul B. Winn on my article Howard Hughes Patek Philippe Ref. 1463 Up At Auction turned my world upside down and launched a tantalizing story of mystery, stonewalling and deceit.  It unfolded over the next two weeks on Perpetuelle.com.

You see, Paul B. Winn, as I soon learned, was a former personal secretary to Howard Hughes — one of the rare men in the notoriously secretive Hughes’ “inner circle” on a day-to-day basis.  In his comment on Perpetuelle.com, Winn was highly skeptical that the watch (nay, any watch) was in fact gifted to Woolbright by Hughes.  Upon receiving Winn’s comment (you can read his remarks here), I exchanged emails with, and then proceeded to speak at length with him.  Based upon these conversations and my further investigation of Donald Woolbright (who I learned had recently passed away), I was increasingly convinced that Paul Winn, a man who I could see having no horse in this race, was right — the Patek Philippe Ref 1463 was NOT gifted by Howard Hughes to Donald Woolbright.  Empowered by the facts of my investigation, I was determined to bring the truth into the light.  I was confident that Christie’s would act honorably and pull the watch from the auction lineup.  I was wrong — dead wrong.

My investigative research revealed that Donald Woolbright, among other things, was a street-hustler with 26 arrests on charges ranging from burglary to fencing and assault to carrying a concealed weapon.  He had only a faint (and unseemly) connection to Howard Hughes.  Indeed, Woolbright’s only documented connection to Howard Hughes was for his involvement in “Hughesgate” which resulted in Woolbright’s indictment for receiving stolen property and attempting to extort a $1 million ransom for papers that were stolen from Hughes’ Romain Street offices.  Clearly a man whose credibility could be considered lacking.  And certainly not the type of person upon whom Howard Hughes would bestow a Patek Philippe watch.  At least that’s the only logical conclusion that I could arrive at.

With this information in hand, my next call was to Christie’s auction house.  Upon my inquiry as to the provenance of the watch, my suspicion was even further heightened.   It was clear that I caught Christie’s flat-footed.  Once Christie’s learned I was questioning the provenance of the watch, they began to stonewall.  First, the watch department passed me to the press department.  Then, days later, a terse statement was issued (…the auction will go on!).  Unwilling to back down given the litany of information in support of my case, I persisted.  Still, Christie’s press representatives refused to return my repeated phone calls — even though they were fully aware that I had raised serious, legitimate doubts as to the provenance of their “Howard Hughes” watch.  Far from asking for the world, I had only a few simple questions which would easily put the dubious story of the watch to rest.  Who told Christie’s the story of Donald Woolbright and this watch? Did Christie’s independently corroborate this story (i.e. that the watch was given by Hughes to Woolbright)? Is there any tangible/physical evidence to support the notion that this watch has any association with Howard Hughes (e.g. the handwritten note)? If so, has the authenticity of the tangible/physical items been corroborated?  Either willfully ignorant or completely clueless, it did not look good for Christie’s.

Undeterred, I decided to publish an Open Letter to the Christie’s Watch and Press Department, just one day before the watch was to be sold at auction.  Clearly, my message was that Christie’s should pull the watch from the auction, pending further research given the Patek’s dubious and undocumented association.  Alas I was not persuasive enough.  Nor did the public support of Geoff Schumacher — Las Vegas writer, author of “Howard Hughes: Power, Paranoia & Palace Intrigue” (Stephens Press, 2008) and proprietor of The Howard Hughes Blog — bear any credence with Christie’s.

On June 16, 2010, the so-called “Howard Hughes” Patek Philippe Ref 1463 sold for a whopping $254,500. 

And that is where the story ended.  To this day, Christie’s has not provided me with ANY information or documentation which supports the purported provenance of the “Howard Hughes” Patek Philippe.  Christie’s is, to me, the most disappointing actor in this entire saga.  The power was theirs to stop the auction in the face of an overwhelming case that the watch’s provenance was not as it was purported to be.  The onus was on them.  Money and hubris are not easily given up, unfortunately.

If you’ve read this far, I thank you and I hope you’ve enjoyed the report.  Though I had put this series of events well behind me, the FORBES mention brought it vividly roaring back to the present and I felt compelled to recount the story.  My hope is that the purchaser of the “Howard Hughes” Patek Philipe Ref 1463 might one day find my writings here, and the two of us might engage in a delightful conversation on the topic.  For those who want more, I suggest reading my series of blog posts in reverse-chronological order in order to experience the saga as it unfolded on Perpetuelle.  As always I welcome your comments.

Kyle Stults, Perpetuelle Editor-In-Chief

THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE HOWARD HUGHES PATEK PHILIPPE

by Kyle Stults, Perpetuelle.com

Howard Hughes Patek Philippe Ref. 1463 Up At Auction, June 3, 2010

The Curious Case of the “Howard Hughes” Patek Philippe Ref 1463, June 14, 2010

The Curious Case of the “Howard Hughes” Patek Philippe Ref 1463, Continued, June 15, 2010

“Howard Hughes” Patek Philippe Ref 1463 Sells Amid Controversy, June 16, 2010

Closing Details on the “Howard Hughes” Patek Philippe, June 18, 2010

For your viewing pleasure…

Venerable German watch manufacture A. Lange Söhne has released a photo shoot of some of its exclusive timepieces on rocks and minerals from the Ore Mountains (near the Glashutte, Germany town where A. Lange is based.   Enjoy!

 ”Lange on the rocks”

Lange 1 Timezone on agate 

Grande Lange 1 on zinnwaldite

Platinum Lange 1 Moonphase on serpentinite

Lange 1 Daymatic on silver ore

Datograph Up/Down on topaz

Who’s Wearing What…

On April 17th, 2012, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev was seen wearing the HD3 Slyde watch.  The HD3 Slyde was created by famed Swiss designer Jorg Hysek and is basically a fusion of watchmaking and a smartphone — touchscreen with various options (see video below).  The watch sells for $7,000 on up, depending on details (different case metals and customizations).  More at http://www.hd3complication.com/

I just wanted to take a moment to publicly thank the advertisers here at Perpetuelle.com.  Aside from our ad network, Perpetuelle has a small but diverse group of watch brands/dealers who advertise here, and I encourage you all to consider them if you are in the market for a timepiece.  Specifically I am referring to Clerc Geneve, Xetum Watches, The CGA Company, Frederique Constant and Alpina – Thank You all for choosing to bring some of your finite advertising budget to Perpetuelle and our audience of watch owners, collectors & enthusiasts.   By the way — if any of you Perpetuelle readers haven’t yet entered Frederique Constant’s contest for an all-expenses trip paid to Geneve, you should enter now (winner chosen on April 30th)!

The CGA Company

“Watches That Stand the Test of Time”

Authorized dealer for:  Lum-Tec, Luminox, Kennett, ArmourLite, Caliber, Volta Winders and more

Lastly, please know that anytime one of the Editors here (myself included) writes an article about or feature a watch from one of the above mentioned sponsors, this is clearly noted at the bottom of the article.

Geneva, Switzerland — all expenses paid…

It doesn’t get any easier than this — Perpetuelle.com advertiser Frederique Constant has a great contest going — just pop over to Frederique Constant’s Contest Page, input your information (takes 15 seconds), and be entered to win!  It is a fantastic contest and I hope you will all avail yourselves of this opportunity to win an all-expenses paid trip to Geneva, Switzerland!   There will also be nine winners drawn who each will receive a pair of Frederique Constant cufflinks (man)  or a scarf (woman).

The winners draw will take place April 30th, 2012 and a list of winners can be found seven days later at: www.frederique-constant.com/news.   Click on over for a chance to win!

http://www.frederique-constant.com/en/win-tour