Andy Warhol's Prized Patek Philippe Timepiece Is Going Up for Auction
Christie's is presenting a show entitled Important Watches, which is landing in New York City December 1. The collection, which includes brands like Grönefeld, De Bethune, and F. P. Journe, also features a Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Ref. 3448 that was once owned by pop artist and cultural icon Andy Warhol. This first self-winding perpetual calendar is quite a rare and valuable vintage find; moon phases also adorn the satiné opalin dial, and the 18-karat yellow gold case is in its original condition. It is estimated to fetch between $350,000 and $600,000 at auction.
As notable as its technical and aesthetic accolades are, this timepiece was also a part of 'Andy's things,' the name the artists' friends gave to his extensive collection of objects and artworks that he voraciously collected throughout his lifetime. When it came to timepieces, Warhol was not shy buying in this department either—he is said to have amassed around 313 timepieces in his lifetime.
While he favored models from heavy-hitting brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe, Warhol also gathered more trendy and fashion-forward watches. In fact, when he passed, his large personal collections—which also included textiles, pottery, and religious artifacts—were auctioned off in 1988, and it required a 10-day sale. According to Christie's website, Warhol had hidden dozens of watches "in the canopy of his four-poster bed, and nearly 100 others were discovered in a secret compartment at the back of an old filing cabinet."
This Perpetual Calendar Ref. 3448 is the most expensive watch in Warhol's collection. Its rarity, nearly immaculate condition and the provenance of its ownership will make it a highly sought-after item.
According to Christie's, today's collectors are looking for next-level models that hit all of the marks—if that's the case, then ladies and gentlemen, have your paddles at the ready. This is not a timepiece to miss.
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