Exceptional Horological Works of Art

Geneva, Oct 19, 2002

LOT 22

Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, "World Time", No. 823542, case No. 618277, Ref. 542. Made in 1938, sold on November 25, 1938. Only two examples of this reference were made in 1937. Extremely rare and very fine early 18K yellow gold gentleman's wristwatch, the smallest Patek Philippe World Time wristwatch in the world.

CHF 1 - 1

EUR 1 - 1

Sold: CHF 124,500

C. three-body, solid, polished and brushed, engraved revolving reeded bezel bearing the names of 31 towns in the world, extended lapidated straight lugs. D. matte silver with painted Roman numerals and indexes, surrounded by a revolving 24-hour dial for nocturnal and diurnal hours. Yellow gold "fancy" hands. M. 10''' rhodium-plated, "fausses côtes" decoration, 18 jewels, straight line lever esca-pement, cut bimetallic balance adjusted for heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, flat balance-spring. Dial, case, and movement signed. Diam. 27 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

According to Louis Cottier?s records, only two examples of this watch in such a small size were made for Patek Philippe; three others were made for Wittnauer in 1940. A similar watch is published in "Patek Philippe Wrist-watches", by Martin Huber and Alan Banbery, 1998, p. 244. The "World Time" system was invented by Louis Cottier and employed by Patek Philippe, Vacheron & Constantin, Agassiz and Rolex.