Collection
In this fascinating exploration, quattro delves into the horological companions of Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd Jr., one of America's most distinguished explorers. This article highlights the specific timepieces that accompanied Byrd on his groundbreaking expeditions, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of haute horlogerie and historical adventure. quattro's meticulous research uncovers the stories behind these significant watches, from their bespoke origins to their roles in extreme environments.
Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd Jr., (1888 - 1957) is one of America’s greatest explorers.
And it turns out that several watches have accompanied his career and his adventures.
This Vacheron Constantin pink gold wristwatch chronometer with co-axial single button chronograph and register was made on special order for the English Crown in 1925.
It was presented by King George V to Admiral Richard Byrd in commemoration of his 1926 Arctic Expedition.
The manual caliber 17’’’ was made by Louis Elisée Piguet and featured Vacheron Constantin’s micrometer regulator (Patent CH 101652, registered on 1 November 1923).
Admiral Byrd is famous for the near complete and accurate mapping of the Antarctic continent that he and his crew were able to accomplish over several expeditions, the first one in 1928, the second one in 1934.
During this second expedition, Admiral Byrd wore the Longines Weems silver watch bearing serial number 5’167’802 and equipped with calibre 18.69N, which was sold to him in 1933.
It was set for him at sidereal time and the inner rotating seconds setting disk controlled by secondary "crown" at 4 o’clock, allowed him to synchronize the second hand with a reference clock, essential for radio synchronization.
In 1955 US Navy financed another expedition in Antarctic, the so called “Operation Deep Freeze I” with the aim of establishing a permanent research station there and Admiral Richard Byrd was appointed to lead the expedition.
Patek Philippe manufactured for him a 57 mm staybrite steel pocket watch, ref. 778. The watch was robust enough to go through freezing temperatures (up to -75 degrees) and the movement was covered by a soft iron cap to ensure the watch being amagnetic against the strong fields of Antarctica.
The black dial displays a clear layout with numbers being filled with radium bears the mention "Made especially for Richard E. Byrd".
During “Operation Deep Freeze I”, Admiral Byrd wore on his wrist a robust, waterproof and shock-resistant 35 mm Croton Nivada Grenchen Antarctic, as stated on some period advertisings.
I particularly love the VC and Longines....
How very cool and thank you for sharing this.
I would choose the VC and the PP here. Cheers, Emmanuel
For me it would be the pink gold monopusher Vacheron Constantin as it is such a beautiful watch and movement. Marc
However I'd be very glad to add the PP pocket watch. Best, Emmanuel
The Weems is a stunner; and I'll take the VC for walking around town ;-)
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