Cursed Jewels of The World- The Henry Graves Supercomplication

As we lean into fall- spooky season is right around the corner. We have explored the world of cursed gemstones in this blog in the past, and now we are going to take a look at some peices you might not want in your collection. 

In researching for this blog I have found many things I didn't know about, from diamonds to sapphires. But I had never seen a watch make the list before. This watch was created at a time when the entire country was deep in the great depression and two bored tycoons got into a contest to see who could make the coolest toy- and that trinket has left a wake of sadness and dispare in it's path. 

The Henry Graves Supercomplication: A Masterpiece Shrouded in Mystery and Misfortune

In the world of horology, few timepieces command as much reverence and intrigue as the Henry Graves Supercomplication. This extraordinary pocket watch, created by the legendary Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe, is not only a marvel of engineering but also a symbol of opulence, ambition, and, some say, a harbinger of misfortune. As we delve into the history and lore surrounding this iconic watch, we uncover a tale that is as complex and captivating as the timepiece itself.

The Genesis of a Masterpiece

The story of the Henry Graves Supercomplication begins in the early 20th century, during an era when wealthy patrons vied for the most intricate and sophisticated timepieces. Henry Graves Jr., a prominent New York banker and avid watch collector, commissioned Patek Philippe to create the most complicated watch in the world. The challenge was not just a testament to Graves' wealth but also a reflection of his competitive spirit, particularly in his rivalry with automobile manufacturer James Ward Packard, who was also known for his collection of intricate watches.

After eight years of meticulous craftsmanship, the Henry Graves Supercomplication was completed in 1933. The result was a pocket watch with 24 complications, including a perpetual calendar, moon phases, a minute repeater with Westminster chimes, sunrise and sunset times, and a celestial chart of the night sky over Graves' home in New York. This horological wonder, encased in 18-karat gold, was a triumph of artistry and engineering, and it held the title of the world's most complicated watch for over five decades. It weighs over a pound and conatins over 920 individual componets, 430 screws, 110 wheels, 120 levers and 70 jewels. It cost $15,000 at the time it was purchased, which in todays money would come in at roughly $315,000. (Remeber the time period- a vast majority of Americans were in bread lines, the stock market was crashed and the world was on the verge of a world war) See the watch here

The Curse Unveiled

Despite its brilliance, the Henry Graves Supercomplication has been associated with a series of unfortunate events, leading some to believe that the watch is cursed. The first hint of misfortune came shortly after Graves took possession of the watch. In 1934, his close friend and fellow watch enthusiast, James Ward Packard, passed away. While this could be dismissed as mere coincidence, the string of tragedies that followed is harder to ignore.

Henry Graves himself experienced a series of personal losses. His son, George, died in a car accident in 1935, just two years after the watch was completed. Graves' daughter, Gwendolen, also passed away prematurely. And his best friend died suddenly as well. These personal tragedies cast a shadow over what should have been a crowning achievement in Graves' life.

The watch's journey continued to be fraught with misfortune even after Graves' death in 1953. It changed hands several times, each time bringing a new set of challenges and controversies. In 1999, the watch was sold at auction for a record-breaking $11 million, only to be embroiled in a legal dispute over its ownership. The buyer, Sheikh Saud Bin Mohammed Bin Ali Al-Thani of Qatar, a man known for being one of the largest collectors of fine art in the world. But not known for paying his bills.  Faced financial difficulties he gave the watch to Sothebys to be auctioned and passed away unexpectedly in 2014, just days before it sold for $15 Million. 

A Legacy of Awe and Apprehension

Today, the Henry Graves Supercomplication resides in the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, where it continues to captivate and mystify visitors. Its legacy is a blend of awe-inspiring craftsmanship and a series of eerie coincidences that have fueled its reputation as a cursed object. Whether one believes in the curse or not, there is no denying the watch's impact on the world of horology and its place in the annals of history.

The Henry Graves Supercomplication remains a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of perfection. It is a reminder that even the most magnificent creations can carry with them a shadow of mystery and misfortune. As we admire this masterpiece, we are also reminded of the delicate balance between ambition and fate, and the timeless allure of the unknown.