Contemporary, Limited Edition, Modern...

New York, Grand Havana Room, Apr 25, 2001

LOT 332

Patek & Compagnie à Genève, No. 4026. Produced circa 1850.Fine and rare 18K gold, early keyless watch.

USD 2,800 - 3,200

C. four-body, "forme Etui", back cover with sunburst engine-turning, reeded band, hinged gold cuvette with peripheral "guilloché" band. D. white enamel, snap-on, Roman chapters, off-center sunk auxiliary dial for the seconds set between 4 o'clock and 5 o'clock, outer minute divisions, blued steel. "Breguet" hands. M. 40 mm., 18''', gilt metal, bar caliber, 19 jewels, straight line counterpoised lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, flat balance spring, early "sliding pinion" widing/setting system, wolf-tooth winding wheels.Dial, case and movement signed (pillar plate stamped under the dial: Patek et Comp).Diam. 47 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3

Good
Dial: 3 - 11 (almost invis

Notes

This watch incorporates the very first ébauche designed and made by Adrien Philippe after joining the company in 1845. It also features one of his first keyless winding and setting mechanisms, based on the so-called sliding pinion, patented in France (the Swiss had not established their patent system yet) on April 22, 1845, patent No. 1317.