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Hotel Nogalhilton Geneve, Nov 11, 2001

LOT 82

Timekeeper with 2 ComplicationsPatek Philippe & Cie, Genève, No. 198101, case No. 50147, circa 1926.Extremely fine and certainly unique stainless steel "Staybrite" gentleman's wristwatch with single-button chronograph, vertical register and pulsometer, with a stainless steel Patek Philippe buckle. Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives.

CHF 0 - 0

USD 0 - 0

Sold: CHF 1,818,500

C. three-body, polished and brushed, concave lugs and bezel. D. matte silver with painted Arabic numerals and bâton indexes, auxiliary 30 minutes register at 12 o'clock, subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock. "Feuille" blued steel hands. M. 13''', rhodium-plated, "fausses côtes" decoration, 23 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, the winding crown is for start, stop, and return-to-zero.Signed on dial, case and movement.Diam. 46 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2 - 01

Notes

This watch was sold by Antiquorum on 10 April, 1994, lot 430.Patek Philippe chronograph wristwatch with vertical register and pulsometerOur research on this important doctor's wristwatch indicates that this stainless steel chronograph was made in one example only.The design of the dial and the conception of the movement are particularly arresting, both in terms of technique and iconography. It is most unusual for Patek Philippe to produce a watch of such high quality in a stainless steel case, given the firm's tendency to use cases of precious metals for movements of this importance.What is particularly impressive in this watch are the sobriety and the clarity of the dial, creating a remarkable geometrical harmony.The design can only be the result of a choice made on a purely aesthetical basis, rather than having been dictated by technical reasons.Its unique characteristics lead us to believe that the watch was an attempt by Patek Philippe to recreate the purity and geometry of art deco design.