The Art of Patek Philippe, Legendary ...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Nov 14, 1999

LOT 448

Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, No. 124824,case No. 235326, sold on October 13, 1923.Extremely fine and important, early and probably unique, 18K yellow gold gentleman's wristwatch with the function of the chronograph controlled by the single button, the split-seconds chronograph controlled by the crown, 60-minute register, leather strap and 18K yellow gold buckle.

CHF 0 - 0

Sold: CHF 2,973,500

C. four body, massive, polished, gold cuvette with signature and number, hinged case back, gold screwed bars. D. white enamel with painted Breguet numerals, auxiliary seconds and 60-minute register dials, outer 1/5 second graduation. "Spade" bluedsteel hands. M. 12''', extra quality, rhodium plated,23 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, 8 adjustments, Breguet balance spring, the single button on the band is for start-stop and return to zero functions of the chronograph, the winding-crown is for stop and reunite of the split-seconds hand.Dial, case and movement signed.Diam. 32 mm.Accompanied by Extract from the Archives.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: * 3-5-6

Poor

Slightly oxidized
Dial: 2 - 01

Notes

The first Patek Philippe split-seconds chronographs date back to 1927. These extremely rare watches are considered highly important collector's items. This particular lot sheds new light on the historic production of this Genevan house. It appeared five years prior to the official release of the split-seconds chronograph, making Patek Philippe the first manufacturer to have created this model. In addition to the year it was produced, which in itself is extraordinary, the exceptional qualities ofthis piece are its white enamel dial with Breguet numerals: a combination that does not exist in a split-seconds chronograph by Patek Philippe.Early (1927) split-seconds chronograph wristwatches are published by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, Patek Philippe Wristwatches, 1998 Edition, p. 271, fig. 417-419.Another one was sold by Antiquorum Geneva, in the theme auction, The Art of Patek Philippe, April 9, 1989, lot 290.