Patek Philippe Henry Graves Jr. Minute Repeaters

quattro · 2025-11-30T17:22:23Z

Explore the three Patek Philippe Minute Repeater wristwatches owned by Henry Graves Jr., including rare yellow gold and platinum models. A must-read for collectors.

quattro

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

26 replies1035 views37 photos

Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, presents an exceptional deep dive into the three Patek Philippe Minute Repeater wristwatches once owned by the legendary collector Henry Graves Jr. This article highlights the historical significance and exquisite craftsmanship of these rare timepieces, offering a detailed look at their unique characteristics and provenance. Emmanuel's meticulous compilation ensures that these horological masterpieces, often discussed in fragmented historical accounts, are brought together for a comprehensive appreciation by both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts.

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Henry Graves Jr. (1868-1953) owned three Patek Philippe Minute Repeater wristwatches: one in yellow gold and two in platinum.

Here they are, all three of them.

I can personally hardly think of a more attractive watch than one of the first two.

Best, Emmanuel

A/ YELLOW GOLD TONNEAU CASE - Movement no. 97’589, case no. 605’789

The movement was manufactured in 1895, the case was manufactured in 1927 and the watch was sold on 16 June 1928

This watch was sold to a private collector by Christie's on November 11th, 2019

Case: 30.5 x 39.5 mm

The caseback bears the Graves family crest and motto “Esse Quam Videri” (to be, rather than to seem)

credit: @watchmania (1-6), Hodinkee (7-12) & Christie’s

B/ PLATINUM TONNEAU CASE - Movement no. 198’212, case no. 607’063

Movement calibre 11’’’, sold on March 2, 1929

Property of the Patek Philippe Museum, Geneva (Inv. P-650)

credit: Watch Collecting Lifestyle (1), Die schönsten Armband-Uhren vergangener Jahrzehnte by Gimapiero Negretti and Franco Nencini, p. 47 (2) & newgreenfil (3)

C/ PLATINUM CUSHION-SHAPED CASE - Movement no. 198’095, case no. 606’433

Dim. 29 x 35 mm. Thickness 7 mm

Matte silver dial with applied platinum Breguet numerals

Manufactured in 1927 and sold on August 16th, 1928

This watch was sold by Antiquorum in 2009 and again by Christie's in 2014

credit: Hodinkee, Christie’s & Antiquorum

Key Points from the Discussion

The elegance of these Patek Philippe Minute Repeaters is so profound that they would remain incredibly appealing even without their intricate minute repeater complication.
The yellow gold tonneau case Minute Repeater features a movement manufactured in 1895, cased in 1927, and sold in 1928, bearing the Graves family crest and motto 'Esse Quam Videri'.
One of the platinum tonneau case Minute Repeaters, with movement calibre 11’’’, sold in 1929, is now a prized possession of the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva.
The platinum cushion-shaped case Minute Repeater, manufactured in 1927 and sold in 1928, features a matte silver dial with applied platinum Breguet numerals, measuring 29 x 35 mm with a thickness of 7 mm.
The discussion thread is light on substantive replies beyond initial appreciation and further details provided by the original author.

The Discussion

Besançon

Nov 30, 2025

Outstanding. And I’m certainly not a PP fan. 👍👌

quattro

Nov 30, 2025

Your positive judgment is all the more meaningful and valuable!

Best, Emmanuel

Besançon

Nov 30, 2025

Thank you for your kind words. Not that I’m a teetotaler, though. Of course, at a much more humble level.

quattro

Nov 30, 2025

Very nice and appealing trio !

I like the no-date austere look of the 3503. The 5030 is gorgeous with the Breguet numerals. And I love the Dauphine hands of the 3998 (?).

mdg

Nov 30, 2025

All are perfection…

…no way to choose.

quattro

Nov 30, 2025

I find the Tonneau ones even more appealing.

No need for Breguet numerals here, as it’s all about apparent simplicity. Just my preference of course.

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