Alan Banbery is a London-born watch executive, widely celebrated for his contribution to the history, heritage and reputation of Patek Philippe, over a nearly four-decade period working at the storied watch manufacturer.[1]
Also widely recognised for significant contributions to horological scholarship and preservation, Banbery collaborated extensively with the Patek Philippe owner, and currently Honorary President, Philippe Stern, ultimately curating exhibits for The Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, which opened in 2001.[2]
The museum’s exhibits have been described by watch historian and author Nicholas Foulkes as “a collection that is of priceless cultural importance, not just for the brand but for everyone interested in man’s centuries-old struggle to tame time with mechanical ingenuity”.[3]
Retiring from his directorship at Patek in 1999, Banbery remained the museum’s curator until 2001.[4] “His impact on the world of horology will surely outlive him many times over,” as one observer wrote in 2022.[5]
Early life
Educated at Westminster City School, Banbery left London aged 17 to attend the Geneva School of Watchmaking (from 1947 to 1951), simultaneously learning French.[3]
Early career
After graduating, Banbery worked at Universal Genève for one year before, in 1952, returning to the UK to fulfil National Service.[6] From 1955 to 1957, he was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery, and served in the Territorial Army, from 1958 to 1964, as a captain in the Royal Horse Artillery, Airborne.
He worked at London crown jeweller and watch retailer Garrard & Co from 1960 to 1964.[1]
Patek Philippe career
It was during this stint at Garrard & Co. that Banbery’s sales expertise, technical knowledge and fluency in French caught the attention of Henri Stern, then Patek Philippe president. In 1965 Henri Stern offered him a job at his company as director of sales for English speaking markets. [12].
Starting in the mid 1960s, with the curation of Henri Stern’s personal collection of vintage watches, Banbery gradually built up the collection now on display at The Patek Philippe Museum.[7] Through the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, the collection grew, thanks to the addition of further Patek Philippe pieces as well as those from other significant watchmakers.[8]
Working closely with Philippe Stern – who became Patek’s managing director in 1977 and president in 1993[9] – Banbery became a regular presence in the world’s auction rooms during those decades. He developed a strong passion for vintage and enamelled timepieces during this period.
Notable Achievement: The Unique Ref. 3448 “Senza Luna”
Patek Philippe Reference 3448J Senza Luna” (Italian for “without moon”) is widely considered emblematic of Banbery's contributions in the unique Patek Philippe canon. In 1970 Banbery purchased his 3448J and, unlike the standard Reference (3448), which features a moon phase indicator, this piece was customised to display a leap year indication instead.
Alan Banbury's unique Patek Philippe 3448J
The modification – undertaken by Patek Philippe’s master watchmaker Max Berney – involved removing the moon phase disk and installing a leap year display. The case back is engraved with Banbery's initials, “AB”.[10]
Banbery retained the watch until 1999, when he sold it in a private transaction. It later appeared at auction and, in 2021, was offered by Christie’s in Hong Kong with an estimate of HK$24.8 million to HK$40 million (approximately US$3.1 million to US$5 million). It sold for HKD 29,050,000.[11]
Exhibition Work
Having first met Philippe Stern in 1966 at a watch event in Birks, Montreal, Banbery took part in various worldwide tours as part of his role for Patek – “The Crafted Hand”, “The Creative Hand”, “The Watch as a Work of Art” and “Patek Philippe Masterpieces” – between 1972 and 1988. In the US, these events took place in Honolulu, San Francisco and Florida.
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