Complicated Collectors: J. B. Champion Jr.
This piece delves into the life and watch collecting habits of J. B. Champion Jr., a wealthy Texas attorney known for his competitive nature and meticulous approach to horology. The article highlights two significant Patek Philippe timepieces linked to him: an 18k yellow gold pocket watch and a unique platinum wristwatch that achieved a record-breaking auction price.
- J. B. Champion Jr. was a prominent Texas defense attorney and independently wealthy collector.
- His Patek Philippe ref. 824 pocket watch was delivered in April 1950.
- His unique platinum Patek Philippe ref. 2458 wristwatch achieved a record price at auction.
- The ref. 2458 movement obtained a Bulletin de Marche from the Geneva Observatory on November 10, 1948.
Champion's Patek Philippe ref. 824 pocket watch, case no. 647’237, housed movement no. 193’476, featuring Patek Philippe's 19-ligne "Extra Quality" lever movement with a Guillaume balance and swan-neck regulator, double-stamped with the Geneva Seal.
The movement for Champion's ref. 824 was made in 1926 and sat uncased for nearly 25 years before his purchase, with the cuvette engraved: "No. 193476 Made Especially for J. B. Champion Jr. by Patek Philippe & Co. Geneva, Switzerland."
Champion's unique platinum ref. 2458 wristwatch was powered by a 13-ligne movement derived from a Valjoux ebauche, explaining the nine o'clock running seconds hand, and qualified for the Geneva Observatory's Category D wristwatch competition.
The movement in Champion's ref. 2458, numbered 861’121, was adjusted by André Zibach and had obtained its Bulletin de Marche from the Geneva Observatory on November 10, 1948.
Champion's ref. 2458 sold for CHF 3,779,000 at Christie's Geneva on November 12, 2012, setting a record at the time for a time-only wristwatch sold at auction.
Patek Philippe built approximately 30 Category D competition movements of the type used in Champion's ref. 2458, with only two known to have been cased and sold to private clients.