LOT 88:
Patek Philippe 2458 Observatory Chronometer for JB Champion @ Christie's
Do you know the history behind the creation of Lamborghini?
Ferrucio Lamborghini was fired by Enzo Ferrari in 1958, because he wanted to make the Ferrari 250GT more efficient and reliable.
"Joe Ben" Champion was a famous lawyer from Texas and a collector known by the brand Patek. And like Ferrucio Lamborghini, he demanded from Patek more-than-a-chronometric watch.
Since Patek had better relations with its clients than Ferrari did with theirs (in the 50's anyway), JB Champion's demand was executed.
First of all, the movement's global aspect is surprising: 13 lignes is large for a simple movement from this period. Then, it is covered in the Saxon way (contrary to the Helvetian habits) by a ¾ plate, to increase stability. Finally, it exhibits a magnificent chronometric "Guillaume" balance: Large size, blued hairspring.
This movement is part of a series of 30, amongst which only two were encased...
The movement has been tuned by the Master watchmaker Andre Zibach and was certified by the Geneva Observatory... The watchcase is also a bit peculiar, because it is theoretically a 2448. However, this "JB Champion" platinum case was made slightly larger: 36mm, in order to fit the 13 lignes caliber. But the aesthetics also transfigure Patek's codes by proposing something rougher, less dressy, and more technical than the Patek from this period. It is exactly like a GT car that would feature a "racing" body. For that matter, don't be surprised to see the watch with two different dials and wristbands, since Patek delivered it to Mr. Champion with the "full package".
Estimation : 2,000,000 - 4,000,000 CHF
Final Bid the 12 november 2012 @ Christie's Geneva : 3,779,000 CHF
