quattro's meticulous research unearths the fascinating history of Grogan Co., a Pittsburgh-based jeweler that served as a significant retailer for Patek Philippe. This article delves into the unique timepieces, including rare split-second chronographs and innovative designs, that passed through Grogan Co.'s hands, offering a glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of Patek Philippe's American retail history. His work highlights the enduring appeal of vintage Patek Philippe and the rich stories embedded within their provenance.
While visiting the
Patek Philippe Museum, I was
surprised to discover this
1939 ref.
1401 with a dial signed "
Grogan Co." at 6 o'clock.
While doing some research, I discovered that it was the Grogan Jewelry Company, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for which Patek Philippe has made two absolutely major Split-Second Chronographs.
First, here's the Grogan Building which, at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Wood Street in Pittsburgh, housed the Grogan Jewelry Company.
credit: historicpittsburgh.org
And here's a 1927 Grogan Co. advertisement highlighting Patek Philippeβs unrivaled accuracy and design.
credit: The Pittsburgh Press
Now, the two split-second chronographs.
First, the 18K gold cushion-shaped single button split seconds chronograph wristwatch with horizontally positioned register and Breguet numerals, made for a left-handed wearer.
Retailed by Grogan Co., Pittsburgh, PA (movement no. 198'012, case no. 290'652) and manufactured in 1925.
This chronograph was sold by
Antiquorum in
1989 (photo above) and by
Christie's in
2006.
The case back is engraved with the inscription: "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"
Next, there is the
cushion shaped, "
tortue", 18ct gold gentleman's wristwatch with
single button split-second chronograph with
vertically positioned
register, made in
1927 for
Grogan Co., Pittsburg, PA, and
sold on 31 August
1937.
This chronograph was sold by
Antiquorum in
1996 and
1989.
credit: Antiquorum
But there's more than these two prestigious Split-Second Chronographs.
First, there's this rectangular jump hour wristwatch (movement no. 816'217, case no. 606'401) manufactured in 1927, which is displayed in the Patek Philippe Museum.
The
case back is
engraved with the following
inscription:
"Presented to T.H. Gillespie by Employees of Standard Steel Car Co., May 1, 1903 - May 1, 1930"
As
Charlie Dunne has written in an
article for Collectability:
"The watch width measures 26mm and is 39mm long, making it extremely large for the era. It is likely that a watch of this size was personally requested by the Pennsylvanian retailer. In addition to the engraved case back, both Patek Philippe & Co. and the retailer, Grogan Co. are engraved on the movement."
credit: Christie's & Wikipedia
I also found several other pieces, among which two seem to me to be worth mentioning.
First, this pre-reference
rectangular watch with
movable lugs made in
1927 and first sold in
1928 (
sold by Collectability).
credit: Collectability
Also, this yellow gold
rectangular wristwatch with
radium painted exploding numerals, made in
1913 and sold in November
1919 (movement no. 178β110; case no. 285β429) which was
sold by Sotheby's in 2024.
credit: Sothebyβs
As a conclusion, I would like to point out two things:
- First of all, I find it striking that this partnership between Patek Philippe and the Grogan Jewelry Company is so little known, even though it produced some major pieces.
- Next, I am struck by the fact that only the ref. 1401 in the Patek Philippe Museum (shown at the beginning of this post) has a dial signed Grogan Co. I have not found any other example.
Thanks for reading.
Best, Emmanuel
