Watchlords

Among the many retailers that have worked directly with Patek Philippe over the decades of its existence, Grogan & Co., or the Grogan Jewellery Company, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is one of the least well-known, but one whose timepieces are among the most renowned.

Grogan & Co. was one of Pittsburgh’s best-known jewellers in the 20th century and namesake of the old Grogan building on Sixth Avenue and Wood Street. While well known in the city, in the watch world Grogan is most associated with the series of chronographs made by Patek Philippe and signed by the retailer in the early 20th century. These are among the most expensive vintage Patek Philippes, selling for millions in auction.


In recent times, since the late 1980s that is, two Patek Philippe ‘Grogan & Co.’ split-seconds chronographs have been sold in auction, in three sales. The first two were by Antiquorum and the latest was by Christie’s.

In a sale in Geneva in 1989, Antiquorum sold a case no. 290'652, movement no. 198'012 Patek Philippe ‘Grogan & Co.’ split-seconds chronograph. This is a left-handed single-button chronograph made in 18k yellow gold. It features Breguet numerals and blued steel hands, along with auxiliary 30-minute register and seconds sub-dials. The Victorin Piguet M. 13' movement features fausses-côtes decoration, 28 jewels, a lever escapement, and Breguet balance spring. The crown also controls the start, stop, and return functions of the chronograph, while the button at 2 o'clock controls the rattrapante hand. This Patek Philippe chronograph is engraved: “The Lord gave me a wonderful blessing in the most devoted, lovely and unselfish son a mother ever had. Mother. If thy Presence go not with me carry us not up hence. Exodus 33-15”

It was originally manufactured in 1925 and then sold in 1927. This very same piece was sold 17 years later by Christie’s for 2,372,000 CHF in their 2006 Important Pocketwatches and Wristwatches live auction.


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