A rare 1929 Patek Philippe wristwatch, originally owned by Paul Starrett—the chairman of the corporation behind the Empire State Building—is headed to auction at Phillips in New York. The Tiffany & Co. signed timepiece was purchased by Starrett during the construction of the iconic skyscraper and features unique floral engravings alongside his initials. It is expected to fetch between $15,000 and $30,000 during the June sale.
This sale highlights the enduring market for provenance-heavy luxury goods that bridge the gap between horology and American industrial history. Beyond its connection to the New York skyline, the watch is a significant Art Deco artifact; its unusually large size for the era and its survival within the Starrett family for nearly a century make it a rare specimen for collectors of both historical memorabilia and high-end vintage timepieces.