Passions Watch Exchange

About This Watch

Vintage. No box/papers but the important factory archive certificate accompanies the sale with this watch.

This Patek Philippe is well over a century old and was exported to the American market where it was cased by the local watch makers which was the practice back then due to USA import tariffs imposed on foreign goods.

Our watch here, No.114.914 has an intimate American history as this watch was given to the a W D Maxwell from Keokuk & friends on Dec 6 1902 and engraved on the dust cover. An image of the Indian chief Keokuk was engraved on the back cover and remains visible. He was an important Indian chief of the Sauk tribe of North America and led his people on peaceful negotiations with the whites.

The Keokuk county in Iowa, USA was formed in 1837 and is named after him. Please click here for more information on Indian chief Keokuk (1740-1848).

In 1900s, this watch was delivered to a jeweller Frank de Bron in Keokuk, IA (Iowa, USA) which was engraved on the plate of the movement. The movement is also clearly signed by Patek Philippe with a Snail-fine-regulator.

One of the most noted jeweller in Keokuk, was FRANK Le BRON, who first came to Keokuk in 1870, where he opened a shop in the 300 Block of Main Street.

Frank Le Bron sr, first saw the light of day in Galena, Jo Davies county, Illinois. It was there that he spent his early life and was educated in the public schools. When out of school he learned the watchmakers' trade from his father who was in the jewelry business at that place. This business seems to be one for which the Le Bron family has a peculiar adaptability, as several members as well as immediate relatives, have been and are today thus engaged.

He came to Keokuk first in 1870 and remained five years, during which time he was engaged at his trade. He then returned to his birthplace and again came to Keokuk in 1880, and began the successful business alone until in January 1905. It was incorporated under the name of the Frank Le Bron Jewelry company, which name is still retained with him as its president.

Mr. Le Bron was at one time prominent in politics, having served as alderman from the First ward during the years 1891(?) to 1894. He was also a member of Damascus Co..mand, Knight Templars. During his life he was a faithful member of St. John's Episcopal Church, serving as one of the vestry of the church. For years he was the energetic president of the Keokuk Business Man's associates.

In church, political, fraternal and business circles he was most popular where he won friends with all he came in contact. He was a man of honor and the greatest integrity, successful in his business, faithful in his church and beloved by every citizen of Keokuk.

To say that he was a prominent citzen is not enough; he was not only well known but held in the highest esteem of possibly the largest circle of friends any one ever enjoyed within the limits of this city.

Frank LeBron died on April 21, 1907 in Almeda, California, he was buried in block 30 at Keokuk's Oakland Cemetery

Photo attached of Frank LeBron Jewelry Store 404 Main Street in 1910. Information taken from facebook page of Keokuk historian.

The watch would have been purchased from Frank LeBron jeweller by Keokuk and given to this WD Maxwell.

Movement takes about 19-20 winds on the original crown. The white enamelled dial is signed with an early signature as PATEK, PHILLIPE & CIE Genève. It is largely perfect except for a faint micro- hairline across from 60-8min edge of the dial. This is a faint hairline and does not affect the quality or value much. The blued steel spade style hands are original and presents very well without any hint of rust. The solid 14ct yellow gold case has been polished while the engraving of Chief Keokuk is left untouched and we sealed it with a protection sticker. The inner back cover has two other presentation engravings dating May 28, 1948, 1976 & 2014 with the last two from father to son ending with the grandson.

A fascinating watch with rich historical records.