Auction Overview & Significance
In December 2025, Sotheby’s is set to unveil one of the most extraordinary horological events of the year: the auction of a rare and storied Patek Philippe collection once belonging to the late collector Robert M. Olmstead. This isn’t just any sale; it’s a once‑in‑a‑generation offer of pieces many have never seen.
• The collection will be split across Sotheby’s Important Watches and Fine Watches sales.
• Among the lot are over 80 pocket watches and clocks, many previously unknown to the open market.
• Highlights include a 1924 split-seconds Patek Philippe pocket watch and a circa‑1927 multi‑complication desk clock.
Why This Matters to Collectors
1. Unreleased Pieces Enter the Market. Many of Olmstead’s watches and clocks haven’t been seen publicly before.
2. Exceptional Provenance – His catalog and notes add credibility and value.
3. Historical & Technical Rarity – The dual‑movement split-seconds pocket watch is a technical marvel.
4. Market Impact. Expected to set new benchmarks for Patek Philippe collectibles.
What to Watch (Key Lots & Themes)
|
Lot/Theme |
What Makes It Special |
Estimate / Notes |
|
1924 split-seconds pocket watch |
Dual movements are, rare complication |
Est. USD $500,000–1,000,000 |
|
1927 desk clock |
Multi-complication, iconographic design |
— |
|
Globally touring exhibition |
Opportunity for collectors to see in person |
NYC Dec 5–7 |
Broader Context: Where This Fits in 2025
• Rising appetite for rarities.
• Power of single-owner collections.
• Watch fairs & auctions interplay.
• Technological revival alongside heritage pieces.
Final Thoughts
The December 2025 Patek Philippe auction is shaping up to be a landmark in horological history. For collectors, it’s a rare chance to own works of art once kept in private reserve. For enthusiasts, it’s proof that craftsmanship, legacy, and stories still command the highest premium.
“A watch is more than time, it is witness, memory, and heritage.” La Cusso Co.
