Exceptional Horological Works of Art

Geneva, Oct 19, 2002

LOT 3

Patek Philippe & Cie., Genève, No. 190 977, case No. 410868, sold to Henry Graves on November 11, 1925. Exceptionally fine and rare 18K gold keyless "Extra" adjusted pocket chronometer awarded Second Prize at the Geneva Observatory Timing Contest 1924-1925. Accom-panied by Extract from the Archives.

CHF 15,000 - 18,000

EUR 10,000 - 12,000

Sold: CHF 36,800

C. Four-body, "bassine", polished, gold hinged cuvette with inscription describing the Contest. D. Off-white enamel, Breguet numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary sunk seconds. Blued steel Breguet hands. M. 42 mm. (18???), nickel, "fausses côtes" decoration, pillar plate under the dial finished with "oeil de perdrix", 20 jewels, 8 adjustments, very high quality straight line calibrated equidistant lever escapement, anibal-brass Guillaume compensation balance with poising wings on the balance arm and gold temperature and mean screws, special alloy Breguet balance spring with inner and outer terminal curves, punched twice with Seal of Geneva Quality hallmarks, "swan-neck" micrometric regulator, special mainspring ratchet wheel click preventing overwinding and Maltese Cross stop work. Signed on dial, case and movement. Diam. 50 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

The present lot is one of the highest quality Patek Philippe watches destined for the Observatory trials. Numerous details are worth noting : the special click, the special Guillaume balance with small "wings" for poising "in the raw" before the screws are placed, the superior polish of the steel parts, the beveled jewel holes. It was timed by Francois Modoux, a legendary master adjuster who won many awards.