Paul Starrett, the construction magnate behind the Empire State Building, bought a rectangular yellow‑gold Patek Philippe watch in 1930, shortly after his first major payment for the skyscraper. The timepiece , still in its original Tiffany & Co. dial and bearing Starrett’s engraved initials, is slated for auction as both the building’s 95th anniversary and the United States’ 250th birthday are celebrated.

1930 Purchase Links Watch to Empire State Building Milestone

The auction house notes that Starrett acquired the watch a week after the building’s mooring mast was erected, tying the accessory directly to a key construction moment.. Its caseback is engraved with the letters “P” and “S,” confirming personal ownership and adding a layer of provenance that collectors prize.

Original Tiffany & Co. Dial and Whiteside & Blank Bracelet Remain Untouched

Unlike many vintage pieces that have been refaced, this Patek retains its Tiffany & Co. dial and the period gold mesh bracelet crafted by Newark jeweler Whiteside and Blank, a firm closely linked to Tiffany.. The watch has reportedly never been worn,preserving its condition for nearly a century.

Estimated Value $15,000‑$30,000 Reflects Great Depression Rarity

Experts estimate the auction price between $15,000 and $30,000, a range that reflects both the watch’s rarity and its historical context. According to the auction house, the piece is a tangible artifact from the Great Depression , offering a glimpse into the luxury market of that era.

Starrett’s Architectural Legacy Extends Beyond the Empire State Building

Starrett’s résumé includes the Flatiron Building, Penn Station, the Plaza Hotel,and the Lincoln Memorial,underscoring why his personal effects attract attention. The watch’s sale coincides with the 95th anniversary of the Empire State Building’s opening and the nation’s 250th birthday, amplifying public interest.

Who Will Acquire the Watch? Potential Collectors and Institutions

The auction preview invites the public to view the timepiece before the sale, but the identity of the buyer remains unknown. whether a private collector, a museum, or an auction house will secure the piece could shape how the watch is displayed for future generations.