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The Patek Philippe Singing Bird Boxes
Only 12 mechanical Singing Bird Boxes with integrated clock were made by Patek Philippe.
Only 8 of them have "survived time" as John Reardon says in the first video below.
And among these 8 "survivors", 4 belong to the Patek Philippe Museum.
Here are all 8 examples.
Best, Emmanuel
A/ Movement no. 28391 (1866)
This example was sold by Sotheby's last December and seems to have been acquired by Collectability.
credit: Collectability
B/ Movement no. 28394 (1866)
This example was sold by Phillips in 2016.
In the first photos below, it is photographed with a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman” ref. 6241 from 1969, that was sold during the same auction (dedicated page here).
credit: Sjx
credit: Sjx
C/ The four examples from the Patek Philippe Museum
1/ Movement no. 26685 with a Perpetual Calendar
This example was sold by Sotheby's in 2006 (and, I assume, acquired by the Patek Philippe Museum on that occasion)
credit: Watch Collecting Lifestyle (1), Sotheby’s (2) & Patek Philippe Museum (3-5)
2/ Movement no. 28389
credit: Tony P & Patek Philippe Museum
3/ Movement no. 28398
credit: Patek Philippe Museum
4/ Movement no. 805010 (from the 1920s)
credit: Patek Philippe Musem
The four boxes displayed in window no. 14 of the Patek Philippe Museum
credit: Timeforum (1) @jahboonyasit
D/ The two remaining examples, both sold by Antiquorum
1/ Movement no. 28393 (sold in 2001)
credit: Antiquorum
2/ Movement no. 28399 (sold in 1993)
credit: Antiquorum
E/ Bonus: example without clock, attributed to Charles-Abraham Bruguier the younger but retailed by Patek Philippe
This example was sold by Christie's in 2022: the dedicated page comprises a video that lets you listen to the singing bird.
credit: Christie’s
F/ Videos
Movement no. 28391 - Collectability
Movement no. 28391 - Sotheby's
Movement no. 28394 - Sjx
The Patek Philippe Singing Bird Boxes
Only 12 mechanical Singing Bird Boxes with integrated clock were made by Patek Philippe . Only 8 of them have " survived time " as John Reardon says in the first video below. And among these 8 "survivors", 4 belong to the Patek Philippe Museum . Here are ...
Chirp chirp! Very nice! Thanks for sharing! I really like the Kelys and Chirp boxes from Reuge and MB&F!
Here's a video of that one... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGGguGpa70M
Thanks for sharing!
Predictably, the aesthetic is far too modern and "cold" for my taste, however. I much prefer the old-fashioned way... Best, Emmanuel
I agree. Not enough feathers!
It's a very modern take indeed. And yes, it's a little "cold" due to the modernity. But, in person, the cute turtle does fill your heart with joy! At least my heart was warmed by the waddling tortue. Tortues are generally clumsy animals in the wild. But, ...
Wow, that's an impressive "safety" mechanism!
And of course, as always, seeing the "thing" for real is a completely different experience. Best, Emmanuel
Oh yes, the real thing is very heart warming!
Still slightly "cold" as you said. But as warm as a super modern take can be!
Fantastic post Emmanuel ! They are truly
GRAILS to me because of automatons, lovely boxes with engraving and enamel paintings ! Wish Patek would still make them !💪
I'm really glad you like them too, Gordon.
Probably not everyone's cup of tea, but there's nothing wrong about that, of course. I also wish they'd still make them. Reason why I liked the new desk clock, even if there's no automaton. Best, Emmanuel
Stumbled upon John's video a couple of days ago.
Those boxes are absolutely Incredible. A very nice ride up. Thank you.
I saw the four boxes at the PP Museum last February
and when I saw John's video a few days ago, I instantly knew I had to do this thread. I love what they've done here. Best, Emmanuel