Unique Piece 1870 + 19th-Century Pocket Watch

The Cornell Watch Company is proudly auctioning both a unique 1870 wristwatch and the original 19th-century pocket watch that inspired its creation to support student and veteran education through the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that has provided more than 1,000 scholarships to date. This charity auction is curated by Eric Wind of Wind Vintage and hosted by Christie’s in New York City.

 Unique Piece , 1870 PC

 The unique piece, the 1870 PC (“Paul Cornell”), was created in partnership with Roland G. Murphy, known for crafting America’s finest timepieces since 1992. The 1870 PC is a tribute to the Cornell Watch Company’s highest grade pocket watches from the 19th century and it features a traditionally crafted double-sunk Grand Feu enamel dial and thermal blued hands inspired by the original. Inside, the hand-decorated Schwarz Etienne ASE 200 automatic movement features 33 jewels, a micro-rotor, and an 86-hour power reserve. The watch’s 39mm case is crafted from a mix of brushed and polished 316L stainless steel and is hand assembled, rigorously tested, and warrantied by the RGM Watch Company.

Roland G. Murphy, Founder, RGM

Fewer Than 10 Known Examples, the PAUL CORNELL POCKET WATCH

This gilt, full-plate, size-18 pocket watch was made entirely in Chicago and dates to 1873. It was intended for use as a high-grade railroad watch and features the original double-sunk Grand Feu enamel dial, thermal blued hands, and a sterling silver stemwinding case. The movement is signed “Paul Cornell” and is the most elaborately decorated and precise movement grade originally offered by the Cornell Watch Company, featuring 19 jewels, some with gold settings, a lever escapement, and an index patent regulator.

Paul Cornell was not only the namesake of the original Cornell Watch Company, but also the founder of Hyde Park, Chicago. Fewer than 10 “Paul Cornell” grade pocket watches are known to exist today. This specific example comes from the Cornell Watch Company’s private collection and is confirmed to be fully functional by the RGM Watch Company.

These two timepieces were donated by John and Chrissy Warren

The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation is proud to have received the highest possible rating on Charity Navigator. 

This four-star rating designates Brian’s Foundation as an official “Give with Confidence” charity, indicating that our organization is using its donations effectively based on Charity Navigator’s criteria.