‘Photo Report: Collectability at The Original Miami Antique Beach Show’
By Charlie Dunne
I first met John Reardon at the Original Miami Antique Show in January of 2020. Fascinated by the world of Patek Philippe, I recall being extremely excited upon arriving at his booth which was a time capsule of the brand’s watches. He gave me a presentation on the reference 3565/1 (also named the “Playboy’s watch”), the backstory of Bernie Cornfeld, and his decision to give over 1,000 wristwatches to his top salesmen.
Since then, Collectability has developed a podcast, YouTube channel, and an expansive online Education section to their portfolio that could excite the most knowledgeable collectors. Needless to say, I was thrilled to walk down the aisles of the convention center and notice Collectability was attending the 2022 show.
John’s enthusiasm for the Ellipse can only be described as “contagious”. I recently became privy to his comprehensive study on the subject. For those who have read some of the work, it would be hard to imagine not walking away with a newfound appreciation for the iconic watch line. The styles within the Ellipse family are quite vast, and one can’t help to wonder if these references will become as treasured as their more traditional predecessors from the Pantheon of Patek Philippe dress watches. Regardless, I was ecstatic when Tania Edwards mentioned they brought a few examples out to the Sunshine State. Super appropriate for the radiant weather was an almost citrus dial reference 3604 ( a.k.a. 'Golden Circle’).
Tania’s Ellipse on a brilliant bracelet.
A very Collectability display case with an assortment of Patek Philippe décor.
Tania wore a necklace that at first glance would not cause too much commotion. However, like many of the creations of Patek Philippe, it is all about the understated details. This is in fact a Patek Philippe Zodiac necklace from the 1970s collection featuring a Virgo pendant. Until then, the only other time I have seen of these necklaces was within Reardon’s book ‘Patek Philippe in America’ (pg. 264). While the author emphasizes gentlemen had the luxury of getting cufflinks or lighters, I’m left thinking the ladies were offered much cooler accessories!
1974 Patek Philippe advertisement featuring a Zodiac Neclace
US coin designer Augustus Saint Gaudens. Image credit: usacoinbook.com
Hopefully, by now, my love for coin watches is abundantly clear. Yet, I still am desperate to hear more discussion on this incredible subsection of horology. The watch seen is a reference 802, and the coin is a 1908 Double-Eagle $20 US Coin designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
Fun fact, Saint-Gaudens also designed the $10 Gold Indian Head Eagle coin which Patek used in their reference 801.
Seeing coin-form timepieces is not an everyday occurrence, so if anyone happens to find the opportunity to see one in person, I highly recommend making the necessary efforts to witness it in the metal. As for Patek Philippe coin watches, it’s purported that “fewer than 200 examples were ever made”.
The timepiece features a fob, which was apparently added at a later point by Tiffany & Co, and may have also been the retailer which the original owner had purchased it.
Obverse of Saint-Gaudens 1908 Double-Eagle $20 US Coin.
Reverse of Saint-Gaudens 1908 Double-Eagle $20 US Coin.
It was super exciting to cross paths with Elisa Catenazzi again, and on her wrist was a fantastic timepiece I hadn’t seen. Quite possibly the coolest bezel of the weekend - a stepped, disco-volante styled Patek (that seems to resemble both reference 2594 and reference 2595) graced her wrist.
Vintage Patek Philippe reference 3569G.
Vintage Patek Philippe reference 3569G.
John Reardon rocking the automatic Aquanaut for a change.
Vintage Patek Philippe reference 425R
Two-tone Patek Philippe reference 600.
A highlight of the show was undoubtedly the photoelectric timepieces which were on full display. A real testament to horological history. Although after admiring these solar-powered desk clocks, I was shown the incredible wristwatch formerly belonging to Patek Philippe’s most iconic régleur André Zibach. No, the watch is not a Patek. In fact, it is a Tavannes! And it featured the caseback engraving! There is certainly a story needing to be told on this one. While I was observing the watch, a gentleman asked about the timepiece, at which point I was able to listen in on Tania eloquently narrate Zibach’s integral role at Patek Philippe.
