Patek Philippe Thomas Emery Watch Collection
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Patek Philippe Thomas Emery Watch Collection

By quattro · Oct 11, 2025 · 28 replies
quattro
WPS member · Patek Philippe forum
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quattro's exploration of Thomas Emery's Patek Philippe collection brings to light two extraordinary pieces that underscore Emery's significance as a collector, often overshadowed by his more famous contemporaries. This article delves into the historical context and horological importance of Emery's Patek Philippe perpetual calendar wristwatch and a newly discovered silver desk clock, offering a fresh perspective on a lesser-known but equally discerning patron of haute horlogerie.

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Thomas Emery is much less well-known than legendary collectors James Ward Packard and Henry Graves Jr.

However, he was also a great collector, as evidenced by the two pieces below:

  • Patek Philippe’s — and the world’s — first perpetual calendar wristwatch.
  • The previously unknown silver desk clock which will be sold on December 8th by Sotheby's in the auction "Important Watches featuring Exceptional Discoveries: The Olmsted Complications Collection".




A/ THE WORLD'S FIRST PERPETUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCH

Movement no. 97975, case no. 22033

The movement inside this watch was created in 1898 for a women’s pendant watch which never sold. 

It was recased in 1925 into a hand-carved 34.4 mm gold case.

The watch was sold in 1927 to the American collector Thomas Emery and belongs today to the Patek Philippe Museum.














credit: Revolution (1 & 5-7), Aquilaa (2), Everest (3) & Patek Philippe (4)


B/ PREVIOUSLY UKNOWN SILVER TWO-TRAIN DESK CLOCK

Until this one surfaced, the only two known vintage Patek Philippe desk clocks were those of James Ward Packard and Henry Graves Jr, which I have highlighted here: Patek Philippe’s new complicated Desk Clock & its background.

This one features a perpetual calendar with moon phases and a 10-day up-down power reserve indicator.

It was manufactured in 1928 and sold on 11 May 1933 to Thomas Emery, thus the "TE" monogram.

Movement. no. 198159, case no. 292119. 

Watch Diameter: 61 mm
Width: 74 mm
Length: 106 mm
Height: 60 mm
Width overall: 120 mm
Length overall: 155 mm





































credit: Sotheby’s 

About the Patek Philippe Ref. 97975

The Patek Philippe reference 97975 is a pocket watch, distinguished by its intricate enamel moonphase display. This reference belongs to a lineage of Patek Philippe timepieces that featured highly detailed moonphase indications, a characteristic that was particularly prominent in models predating the 3970 and 3940 series. The moonphase disc on such pieces is notable for its rich navy blue color, achieved through an enameling process, with gold stars and moon elements integrated into the disc rather than applied on top. This particular reference is housed in a yellow gold case.

For collectors, the 97975 is significant for its representation of Patek Philippe's artistry in dial work, particularly the detailed enamel moonphase. It appeals to those who appreciate the historical depth of the brand's pocket watch production and the artisanal techniques employed in their creation. The quality of the moonphase disc, with its engraved and filled gold elements, is a key feature that collectors often highlight.

As a pocket watch, its dimensions and specific movement details align with the horological practices of its era, emphasizing precision and traditional craftsmanship. The 97975 represents a period of Patek Philippe's production where such artisanal details were a hallmark of their high-complication pieces. The quality of the moonphase disc, with its engraved and filled gold elements, is a key feature that collectors often highlight. It is a testament to the brand's commitment to traditional craftsmanship.

Specifications

Case
Yellow Gold
Dial
White
Water Resist.
No

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
PA
patrick_y
Oct 11, 2025
Notice the minimal branding on both pieces!

QU
quattro
Oct 11, 2025
Greatness doesn't need branding, does it?

Best, Emmanuel

AM
amanico
Oct 11, 2025
The first one is pure madness. The sculptured side case is something we see on modern Patek, as well. The original inspiration?

QU
quattro
Oct 11, 2025
It might well be, yes.

An incredible watch indeed.

PA
patrick_y
Oct 11, 2025
It does look somewhat similar to the Patek 5160 model.

Although the 5160 model - I thought - was inspired by the engravings on hunting rifles and shot guns. Kind of like those "Purdey and Panerai" watches?

AM
amanico
Oct 11, 2025
Aaaah, Purdey and Panerai watches. All an era!

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