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The Art of American Horology & Colle...

New York, Nov 28, 2001

LOT 190

Patek Philippe & Cie., Geneva, Suisse, No. 109129, retailed by The Bailey Banks & Biddle Co., Philadelphia, circa 1897.Very fine, 18K gold, keyless, "Special" adjusted watch.

USD 2,000 - 2,400

C. three-body, "bassine", polished, hinged bezel, back with engraved initials, hinged cuvette. D. white enamel, Arabic numerals, outer minute ring with five-minute red Arabic markers, sunk subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "Double Swell Spade" hands. M. 40 mm, nickel "fausses-côtes" decoration, bridge caliber, 21 jewels, straight line calibrated lever escapement, cut-bimetallic compensation balance with gold screws, blued steel Breguet balance spring, swan neck micrometric regulator.Engraved "Special", "Pat, Jan 13.1891".Signed "Bailey Banks & Biddle" on the dial, case and movement. Movement also signed "Patek Philippe & Cie.".Diam.48.2 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: A

Good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

This lot is a good example of one of the best European movements within an exceptional American case.Established in Philadelphia in 1832, Bailey, Banks & Biddle quickly established themselves as one of the leading producers of jewelry and watchcases and a well-known importer of high quality European movements. Thanks to companies like Bailey, Banks & Biddle, Caldwell, Tiffany and Spaulding, the United States quickly became one of the most important markets for high quality European watches.The patent date corresponds to a patent submitted by the Patek Philippe Co. for a "watch bridge", which was subsequently withdrawn.