Collectability Podcast

In this episode of the Collectability podcast, Tania Edwards is joined by Reginald Brack, Senior Vice President and Head of Department for Freeman's Watches, and John Reardon, to discuss one of the most extraordinary pocket watches to come to market in recent memory: the gold Tiffany & Co.-signed Patek Philippe pocket watch owned by John Jacob Astor IV, recovered from his body following the sinking of the Titanic.John Jacob Astor IV was widely regarded as the wealthiest passenger aboard the Titanic. He helped his pregnant wife into a lifeboat, remained behind, and did not survive. The watch was purchased through Tiffany & Co. in 1904, remained within the Astor family for more than a century, and is supported by documented recovery, continuous family ownership, expert authentication, and an Extract from the Archives from Patek Philippe.In this conversation, Tania, Reginald, and John discuss the provenance, the history, the watch itself, and what it means to hold an object that connects so directly to one of the most famous nights in modern history.The watch and pencil will be offered at Freeman's in Chicago on April 22, 2026, with an estimate of $300,000 to $500,000 for the watch and $10,000 to $20,000 for the pencil.
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Recorded in Geneva, this episode of the Collectability Podcast brings together John Reardon and Tania Edwards for a revealing discussion about Alan Banbery, one of the most influential figures in the modern history of Patek Philippe.Alan Banbery spent 36 years at Patek Philippe and shaped the brand in ways that people may not know. From after sales service and exhibition design to watch aesthetics, historical scholarship, and the foundation of the Patek Philippe Museum, his influence extended far beyond his official role as an executive in the company.This podcast draws on Tania Edwards’ three part editorial series, The Banbery Chronicles, which documents Alan’s life and legacy in unprecedented detail. Together, John and Tania explore findings from each chapter of the series and explain why Banbery’s story matters today.Topics include Alan’s early life in wartime London and his training as a watchmaker in Geneva, his unexpected transition into high level watch and jewelry sales, and the ideas he introduced that would quietly reshape Patek Philippe’s identity. These include the blue dial Ellipse, the naming of the Nautilus, the inclusion of museum pieces in exhibitions, and the true story behind his legendary, modified ref. 3448.The episode also covers the rarely told origins of the Patek Philippe Museum, beginning with Alan’s personal collecting efforts long before the project became an institutional priority. Along the way, listeners gain insight into pivotal auctions, unrealized acquisitions, and the personal discipline that defined Alan's career. If you are interested in Patek Philippe's modern history, this conversation is essential viewing.📖 Read The Banbery Chronicles articles: https://collectability.com/?s=THE+BAN...🛍️ Shop for your favorite watches at the Collectability Shop: https://collectability.com/shop/ For more information please email: [email protected] more about Collectability on our website: https://collectability.com Follow us on Instagram for regular updates:   / collectabilityllc   Listen, like and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/Collectability

Recorded in Geneva, this Collectability Podcast episode features Edouard Henn, a regular contributor who has written seven in depth articles on Patek Philippe references spanning a wide breadth of interest for collectors.In conversation with John Reardon, Ed explores three modern vintage watches that collectors continue to love: the Patek Philippe ref. 5004, ref. 5070, and ref. 5970. Each one represents a distinct moment in the manufacture’s modern history, and together they form a clear picture of how taste, design, and technical ambition evolved from the 1990s into the early 2000s.Ed shares the methodology behind his writing, combining long term auction data with close study of real world examples and period documentation. That research becomes the foundation for a deeper discussion of what matters to collectors today: how these references changed over time, where the most important nuances sit, and which details are most often misunderstood or overlooked.Articles written by Edouard Henn: ✍️ A COLLECTOR’S GUIDE: PATEK PHILIPPE REF. 5004 SPLIT SECONDS PERPETUAL CALENDAR https://collectability.com/learn/a-co... ✍️ A COMPLETE GUIDE TO PATEK PHILIPPE MINIATURE ENAMEL POCKET WATCHES (1950-2000) https://collectability.com/learn/a-co... ✍️ A COLLECTOR’S GUIDE TO THE PATEK PHILIPPE REF. 2597 HEURE SAUTANTE https://collectability.com/learn/a-co...✍️ A COLLECTOR'S GUIDE TO THE PATEK PHILIPPE REF. 5070 CHRONOGRAPH https://collectability.com/learn/a-co...✍️ A COLLECTOR’S GUIDE TO THE PATEK PHILIPPE CELESTIAL TIMEPIECES https://collectability.com/learn/a-co...✍️ IN-DEPTH: PATEK PHILIPPE RETAILER ANNIVERSARY PIECES https://collectability.com/learn/in-d...✍️ A COLLECTOR'S GUIDE TO THE PATEK PHILIPPE REF. 5970 https://collectability.com/learn/a-co...Follow Edouard Henn:   / edouard_henn  Shop for your favorite watches at the Collectability Shop: https://collectability.com/shop/ For more information please email: [email protected] more about Collectability on our website: https://collectability.com Follow us on Instagram for regular updates:   / collectabilityllc   Listen, like and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/Collectability

Join John Reardon for an entertaining ride with Ken Jacobs,founder of Wanna Buy A Watch? Ken describes his fascinating journey from becoming a clinical psychologist to founding one of the most beloved vintage watch stores in the USA, located on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood. A pioneering dealerof vintage watches for over 40 years, Ken shares stories of how he introduced generations of new watch collectors. He even shares highlights from his ‘list’ of celebrities that he has helped over the decades find vintage watches that they love. His store has become something of an institution and a must-visit for collectors of all levels looking for something different. His energy and passion for vintage watches are infectious, and we invite you to sit back and enjoy this lively podcast.
If you would like to learn more about Wanna Buy A Watch visit wannabuyawatch.com
To learn more about Ken's son Benny Isaac Jacobs-Schwartz's guided bird tours go to: https://birdsbybijs.com/
Shop for your favorite watches at the Collectability Shop: https://collectability.com/shop/ Learn more about Collectability on our website: https://collectability.com Follow us on Instagram for regular updates: https://www.instagram.com/collectabilityllc/ Listen, like and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/Collectability

Jacob Trouba is more than one of hockey’s toughest players—he’s also a visual artist, philanthropist, and watch enthusiast. In this podcast, John Reardon visits Trouba in Newport Beach, CA, his new home after joining the Anaheim Ducks following a successful career with the New York Rangers.Trouba reflects on his journey to becoming a respected NHL defenseman and leader, his unique art created with skates, sticks, and gear, and his philanthropic work with his wife, physician Kelly Tyson. Together they’ve championed initiatives such as Hockey Fights Cancer and launched the Trouba Creative Expressions Program, offering art opportunities to adults with epilepsy.As a new watch collector, Trouba shares how marking milestones with timepieces has become part of his life. He discusses his growing Patek Philippe collection and his appreciation for their history and craftsmanship.To learn more about Jacob Trouba’s extraordinary art and philanthropic commitment to cancer and epilepsy, please see these links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pJWJjqXZg0, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4katEvnKER8, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTYFxZ9gD4cShop for your favorite watches at the Collectability Shop: https://collectability.com/shop/ Learn more about Collectability on our website: https://collectability.com Follow us on Instagram for regular updates: https://www.instagram.com/collectabilityllc/ Listen, like and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/Collectability