Patek Philippe & Cie, Geneve, No. 58237, case No. 58237, made in 1879, sold on 17 January 1879. Very early and unusual nickel, keyless inking chronograph, with "retour en vol" and instantaneous 60-minute recorder. | Important Watches, Wristwatches and Clocks | Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, 12th April 1997

Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 12, 1997

LOT 423

Patek Philippe & Cie, Geneve, No. 58237, case No. 58237, made in 1879, sold on 17 January 1879. Very early and unusual nickel, keyless inking chronograph, with "retour en vol" and instantaneous 60-minute recorder.

CHF 3,500 - 4,500

Sold: CHF 5,750

C. Double body, massive, "bassine et filets", polished. D. White enamel with Arabic numerals and subsidiary minute registers. Blued steel arrow patented inking hand. M. 18"', frosted and gilt quarter plate, 8 jewels, cylinder escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring. Inking push-pieces on the winding crown, with stop/start button in the band on the left and reset button on the right with retour en vol. Signed on the dial and movement. In very good condition. Diam. 57 mm.

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Notes

The highly unusual feature of this inking chronograph is the additional button of the chronograph on the right of the pendant. This allows to reset the hand which restarts instantaneously as soon as the button is released. The retour en vol is the principal feature of the chronograph used by pilots for airplane navigation. Such a feature is highly unusual on pocket chronographs.