Patek Philippe Tourbillon

Patek Philippe

Brand Patek Philippe, Geneva Model ‘Tourbillon’ Retailed by / made for Bulletin de marche from the Geneva Astronomical Observatory (1926) Year circa 1922 Reference - Movement No. 197 734 Calibre 22’’’, manual-winding, 18 jewels Case No. 412 253 Material/s yellow gold (18-carat) Bracelet - Buckle - Dimensions Ø 52.9 mm. Thickness 15.5 mm. Weight 139.3 gr. (approx.) Signature dial, case and movement Accessories Extract from the Archives; copy of the Bulletin de marche -- Patek Philippe Pocket chronometer with Observatory Bulletin, one-minute tourbillon regulator, lever escapement, amber ‘egg-shell’ enamel dial; yellow gold (18-carat) -- Tourbillon Chronometer Awarded a First Class Bulletin, with a First Prize -- Yellow gold (18-carat), open-face, keyless-winding, round-shaped, large, heavy and impressive pocket chronometer, with subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock, and a one-minute tourbillon regulator. -- Case: No. 197 734, four-piece, ‘Bassine à gouttes’, polished, invisible hinges; gold and glass cuvette (dome) allowing to see the movement; oval-shaped clipped bow. Dial: amber colour, enamel (two-piece), ‘egg-shell’, with black painted radiating Roman numerals; external minute track divided five by five, with black painted radiating lines; blued steel ‘Poire’ pear-shaped hands. Movement: No. 412 253, calibre 19’’’, manual-winding, 18 jewels, ‘Extra’ quality, Pellaton-type (so-called ‘Le Locle Technicum calibre’), rhodium-plated, curved centre bridge, going barrel, three-arm equidistant Pellaton carriage with equilibrated lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensated Guillaume balance with gold poising screws, blued steel hairspring with Phillips terminal curve and amplitude control device, gold screwed-chaton end-stone, polished steel index-regulator with gold scale plate (18 000 vibrations per hour), eight adjustments, adjusted by the precision timer ‘régleur’ Jules Golay-Audemars, Geneva. Type of winding and time setting: winding and time-setting by the crown on the pendant. -- Observatory At the timing contest organised in 1926 at the Astronomical Observatory of Geneva, this chronometer was awarded a First Class Bulletin, with a First Prize mention. It was ranked 2nd out of 40, with 802 points on a possible total of 1 000. The first obtained 827 points and the last classified 619 points. Its number of deposit was 177 (January 15 to March 03, 1927). Abstract of the timing contest · Mean average daily rate +/- 0.20 · Mean average corresponding to a change of position +/- 0.13 · Error of compensation (per 1° centigrade) +/- 0.028 · Restart period + 0.06790 1754 11/9/2024 1:00:00 PM 11/16/2024 2:36:00 PM confirmed 180000.00000 normal True 180000.00 280000.00 1 Fall2024 FG24293 333 This exceptional pocket watch has a large and heavy case. As a result, it is much more impressive than other pocket watches, making the dial extremely easy to read. -- What is a tourbillon? The tourbillon mechanism cancels out the variations in rate due to gravity; it’s one of the most remarkable creations in the history of the watchmaking. It consists of a circular mobile carriage holding all the escapement components, with, in its centre, the regulating organ. The carriage generally completes one revolution per minute; this rotation compensates the negative effects of gravity on the escapement and in particular on the balance-wheel. This mechanism was invented in 1801 by Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823). At the time of the invention of the tourbillon, it was known that gravity and the movements caused to a timepiece had a negative effect on its precision. Watchmakers were well aware that pocket watches suffered from the effects of gravity because they were generally worn in the same position, moved continuously during the day and held in a different position when read, which affected their movement and therefore their accuracy. This is without even mentioning the natural ageing of the vegetable, animal or mineral oils used to lubricate the pivoting or friction points of the components that make up the watch movement. In a tourbillon, the whole of the watch’s regulating organ rotates – including the balance-wheel and its hairspring, the escape wheel and the lever or detent (spring or pivoted) – i order to compensate for the effect of gravity in the different positions and thus improve the watch’s rate. -- Patek Philippe chronometers and tourbillons Patek Philippe chronometer movements were manufactured to the highest possible standards and were especially adjusted by master ‘régleurs’ such as the famous François Modoux, Henri Wehrli, Jules Golay-Audemars (like the present watch) and Charles Batifolier. The watches prepared by them, particularly those won prizes in observatory contests, were several times more expensive than the standard ones. It is interesting to note that this watch underwent the rigorous tests of the Geneva Astronomical Observatory, winning prizes in pocket-watch competitions in 1924, 1925 and 1926, including a First Prize in 1924. The Geneva Observatory, along with the observatories at Neuchâtel and Kew-Teddington, were the main European institutions responsible for assessing and rating the precision of timepiece movements. The tests carried out at the Geneva observatory initially lasted 40 days and required the watch to be tested in different positions and at different temperatures in order to verify its ability to maintain the most accurate precision possible. Accurate time measurement was essential to the progress of science and maritime navigation. In 1873, the Geneva Observatory organised its first annual chronometer competition. Patek Philippe won the coveted First Prize for the first time in 1884. Jules Golay-Audemars appears in the list of chronometers awarded prizes by the Geneva Astronomical Observatory between 1917 and 1934. This pocket chronometer is listed in Meis, Reinhart, Das Tourbillon, Verlag Laterna Magica, 1986, p. 352. -- Real scarcity of real chronometers By the end of the 19th century, the Swiss watch industry produced millions of watches. Each year, an infinitesimal part of them are especially manufactured and adjusted to be presented to the annual chronometrical contests of the observatories of Geneva or Neuchâtel. With the improvement of production techniques, the observatory regularly reinforces the rules of the contest; this competition becomes, every year, always more difficult. On the very small quantity of watches subjected to the rigorous and impartial control of the observatories, a good part is rejected; only the best pieces remain in the running. Winning a Bulletin de marche – especially one of ‘First Class’ – allows watch manufacturers to prove their chronometry skills. The same applies to the distinctions obtained at industrial or artistic exhibitions, whether at regional, national or universal level. At a time when marketing and advertising do not exist, this is the only real way to promote a company to the public and potential customers. In 1898, in Geneva, only 26 pieces received a 1st Class Bulletin de marche; this shows how a real ‘chronometer’ with a Bulletin de marche is extremely rare! -- Pellaton, Jämes-César (1873-1954) One of the most esteemed tourbillon makers of the early part of the 20th century. He learned his craft from his father, Frédéric-Albert Pellaton-Favre (1832-1914), also a renowned maker of chronometers with one-minute tourbillon regulator. In terms of design, he followed in his father’s footsteps, using the same type of ébauches (blanks). He taught at the Horological School in Le Locle, Technicum neuchâtelois (1903-1939) and became its Director (1926). He also published a remarkable Cours d’échappements (1921), a treatise on horology which has been reprinted many times and translated into several languages. In 1943, the Neuchâtel government awarded him the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa. He was awarded Honorary Member of the Union of Watchmakers of Finland in 1936 and decorated by the Finnish Watchmakers Society and Government with the White Rose Order in 1949. This is the first time such an award is given to a foreigner. -- Amber ‘egg-shell’ enamel dial In Patek Philippe production, the use of a slightly amber-tinted enamel dial is a sign of quality. This is a tradition used mainly by British manufacturers, but sometimes also in Switzerland, as can be seen here. Tinted enamel consists of colouring the usual white to give it a creamier appearance. Willis in London, probably the most important dial maker of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, specialised in this technique. Patek Philippe, Master of all Horological Complication Patek Philippe is a prestigious Swiss watch manufacturer, renowned for its luxury watches and exceptional craftsmanship. Founded in 1839 in Geneva by Antoine Norbert de Patek (1812-1877) and François Czapek (1811-after 1869), the company quickly established its reputation as a manufacturer of superior watches. In 1844, following the National Exhibition of French Industrial Products in Paris, Antoine Norbert de Patek met Jean-Adrien Philippe (1814-1894), a young French watchmaker. In 1845, after Czapek’s departure, the two men concluded a commercial agreement and introduced numerous innovations in the field of watchmaking, notably a keyless-winding and time-setting system for which Philippe received a Bronze medal. In 1851, the company was renamed “Patek, Philippe & Cie – Fabricants à Genève”, and over the decades became synonymous with exclusivity, precision and technical perfection as evidenced by the wristwatch made for the countess Hungarian Koscowicz (1868), patents for a precision regulator (1881), a perpetual calendar mechanism (1889), a double chronograph (1902) and all the brand’s creations, whether pocket watches or watches. bracelets with horological complications. From the early 1900s until 1927, Patek Philippe introduced a unique business model. The house’s main distributor based in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, “Gondolo & Labouriau” sold more than a third of the production at the time thanks to a cleverly orchestrated sales system. These timepieces, known as “Chronometro Gondolo”, are collector’s items famous both for their very high technical quality and for their unique history. The watches were sold at the time, exclusively to members of a very select clubs called the “Gondolo Gang” which have 180 members. Being part of these collector’s clubs was, at the beginning of the 20th century, a distinctive sign of success in Brazilian society. According to an ingenious raffle system, each member of the club agrees to buy a watch for the amount of 790 Swiss francs divided into 79 weekly instalments of 10 francs. During these 79 weeks of repayment, a weekly draw is organized where the winner is released from the balance of his debt. The first winner pays 10 francs for their watch, the second 20 francs, etc. The earlier you buy your watch, the cheaper it costs, provided you win this lottery. Echoing this episode in its history, the “Gondolo” collection was reinterpreted in 1993 with shaped watches. In 1932, Patek Philippe became a family business when the Stern family, already involved in the production of dials for the brand, bought the company. It is also the year of the launch of a model that will become the brand’s flagship collection: the “Calatrava”. Even today, it contributes to the success and reputation of the company. Among the emblematic models of Patek Philippe, we can also mention the “Ellipse” (1968) with its elliptical-shaped case, at the crossroads of the circle and the rectangle which is inspired by the “golden ratio”; the “Nautilus” (1976), a sporty and luxurious watch whose case is inspired by a porthole; or watches for women, such as the “Twenty-4” collection (1999), which combines feminine elegance with horological precision. Since its creation, the brand has been driven by a spirit of innovation. In 1989, Patek Philippe released a very complex model to celebrate its 150th anniversary. Named “Calibre 89”, the watch is equipped with 33 horological complications and its calibre is made up of 1 728 parts. Eleven years later, in order to celebrate the second millennium, the brand released the “Star Calibre 2000” model, a double-sided pocket watch with 21 horological complications. Finally, the year 2002 saw the launch of the “Sky Moon Tourbillon” model, the most complicated double-sided wristwatch ever produced by the house. Benchmark precision instruments, Patek Philippe watches are also recognized by collectors for being objects of art whose beauty reflects perfection. For many years, Patek Philippe has strived to preserve all the high craftsmanship professions linked for more than four centuries to the decoration of timepieces. This is how exceptional contemporary creations come into being – pocket watches, wristwatches, or clocks –, most often unique pieces, which highlight all these skills that are threatened with disappearance. This transmission value is essential for the brand. Patek Philippe can be proud of having filed more than 70 patents since its creation, notably for a Gyromax balance-wheel (1949), mechanical watches with time zones (1959), a mechanical movement with peripheral rotor (1964), an indicator mechanism of the date of Easter (1985), an annual calendar (1996) or even an astronomical representation mechanism (2000). These technical innovations have largely contributed to advancing the horological industry while contributing to the brand’s reputation for excellence. Today, Patek Philippe is a watch brand that continues to produce superior quality watches that are admired by watch enthusiasts around the world. -- Key Dates • 1839: foundation of “Patek, Czapek & Cie2 by Antoine Norbert de Patek and François Czapek in Geneva. • 1845: following the departure of Czapek, the company becomes “Patek & Cie”. Arrival of Jean-Adrien Philippe, a young French watchmaker who invented a keyless-winding and time-setting mechanism. • 1851: the company is now called “Patek, Philippe & Cie”. The house presented its products at the Universal Exhibition in London, the first event of its kind. • 1868: manufacture of the first wristwatch for the Hungarian Countess Koscowicz. • 1901: the company becomes a public limited company. • 1932: acquisition of a majority of shares by the Stern family, one of the manufacturers of dials for the brand. Launch of the reference 96 which will later be called “Calatrava”. • 1949: patent for the “Gyromax” balance-wheel. • 1953: launch of the self-winding “Calibre 12-600 AT”. • 1968: launch of the first “Golden Ellipse” model, the Ref. 3548. • 1976: launch of the first “Nautilus” sports watch, the Ref. 3700/1 in stainless steel. • 1989: 150th anniversary of the manufacture. Launch of various commemorative watches and the “Calibre 89”, at the time the most complicated watch ever made, with 33 horological complications. • 1996: establishment of the new factory in Plan-les-Ouates, near Geneva. • 2001: inauguration of the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, exhibiting a remarkable collection of antique watches, horological art and enamel (1500-1850), and Patek Philippe watches. • 2019: 180th anniversary of the manufacture. -- Iconic models and current collections • “Calatrava”: this collection is emblematic of the manufacture. These watches are distinguished by their clean and classic design, with a round case and a minimalist dial. The “Calatrava” embodies timeless elegance and represents the brand’s traditional watchmaking know-how. • “Nautilus”: this model is one of the most emblematic models of the manufacture. Designed by Gérald Genta, it is high-end sports watch recognizable by its octagonal case and its integrated bracelet. It offers a perfect balance between sportiness and elegance. • “Aquanaut”: this collection is another line of sports watches from Patek Philippe. These watches are characterized by its octagonal case and rubber strap. It offers a contemporary aesthetic and high resistance to hydrostatic pressure. • “Twenty-4”: this collection is specially designed for women. These watches combine classic elegance with contemporary style. Initially equipped with a rectangular-shaped case and offering a selection of models with diamonds and steel or gold bracelets, they are now round in shape. Elegance: extremely fine FFF Rarity: extremely rare RRR Case: excellent 9 / 10 Dial: excellent 9 / 10 Movement: excellent 9 / 10 Expert opinion: excellent -- Condition report Case: in excellent condition. Dial: in excellent condition. Movement: in excellent condition; functional. -- Rapport d’état Boîtier : en excellent état. Cadran : en excellent état. Mouvement : en excellent état ; fonctionnel. 0 180000.00000 10/25/2024 8:17:03 PM 10/27/2024 10:20:16 AM 1754 1438 False 1 0 True 180000.00000 False auction False True False False onSale 10/25/2024 8:17:03 PM 10/25/2024 8:17:03 PM 10/25/2024 8:17:03 PM 1438 Patek Philippe buy Brand Patek Philippe, Geneva Model ‘Tourbillon’ Retailed by / made for Bulletin de marche from the Geneva Astronomical Observatory (1926) Year circa 1922 Reference - Movement No. 197 734 Calibre 22’’’, manual-winding, 18 jewels Case No. 412 253 Material/s yellow gold (18-carat) Bracelet - Buckle - Dimensions Ø 52.9 mm. Thickness 15.5 mm. Weight 139.3 gr. (approx.) Signature dial, case and movement Accessories Extract from the Archives; copy of the Bulletin de marche -- Patek Philippe Pocket chronometer with Observatory Bulletin, one-minute tourbillon regulator, lever escapement, amber ‘egg-shell’ enamel dial; yellow gold (18-carat) -- Tourbillon Chronometer Awarded a First Class Bulletin, with a First Prize -- Yellow gold (18-carat), open-face, keyless-winding, round-shaped, large, heavy and impressive pocket chronometer, with subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock, and a one-minute tourbillon regulator. -- Case: No. 197 734, four-piece, ‘Bassine à gouttes’, polished, invisible hinges; gold and glass cuvette (dome) allowing to see the movement; oval-shaped clipped bow. Dial: amber colour, enamel (two-piece), ‘egg-shell’, with black painted radiating Roman numerals; external minute track divided five by five, with black painted radiating lines; blued steel ‘Poire’ pear-shaped hands. Movement: No. 412 253, calibre 19’’’, manual-winding, 18 jewels, ‘Extra’ quality, Pellaton-type (so-called ‘Le Locle Technicum calibre’), rhodium-plated, curved centre bridge, going barrel, three-arm equidistant Pellaton carriage with equilibrated lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensated Guillaume balance with gold poising screws, blued steel hairspring with Phillips terminal curve and amplitude control device, gold screwed-chaton end-stone, polished steel index-regulator with gold scale plate (18 000 vibrations per hour), eight adjustments, adjusted by the precision timer ‘régleur’ Jules Golay-Audemars, Geneva. Type of winding and time setting: winding and time-setting by the crown on the pendant. -- Observatory At the timing contest organised in 1926 at the Astronomical Observatory of Geneva, this chronometer was awarded a First Class Bulletin, with a First Prize mention. It was ranked 2nd out of 40, with 802 points on a possible total of 1 000. The first obtained 827 points and the last classified 619 points. Its number of deposit was 177 (January 15 to March 03, 1927). Abstract of the timing contest · Mean average daily rate +/- 0.20 · Mean average corresponding to a change of position +/- 0.13 · Error of compensation (per 1° centigrade) +/- 0.028 · Restart period + 0.06 Brand Patek Philippe, Geneva Model ‘Tourbillon’ Retailed by / made for Bulletin de marche from the Geneva Astronomical Observatory (1926) Year circa 1922 Reference - Movement No. 197 734 Calibre 22’’’, manual-winding, 18 jewels Case No. 412 253 Material/s yellow gold (18-carat) Bracelet - Buckle - Dimensions Ø 52.9 mm. Thickness 15.5 mm. Weight 139.3 gr. (approx.) Signature dial, case and movement Accessories Extract from the Archives; copy of the Bulletin de marche -- Patek Philippe Pocket chronometer with Observatory Bulletin, one-minute tourbillon regulator, lever escapement, amber ‘egg-shell’ enamel dial; yellow gold (18-carat) -- Tourbillon Chronometer Awarded a First Class Bulletin, with a First Prize -- Yellow gold (18-carat), open-face, keyless-winding, round-shaped, large, heavy and impressive pocket chronometer, with subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock, and a one-minute tourbillon regulator. -- Case: No. 197 734, four-piece, ‘Bassine à gouttes’, polished, invisible hinges; gold and glass cuvette (dome) allowing to see the movement; oval-shaped clipped bow. Dial: amber colour, enamel (two-piece), ‘egg-shell’, with black painted radiating Roman numerals; external minute track divided five by five, with black painted radiating lines; blued steel ‘Poire’ pear-shaped hands. Movement: No. 412 253, calibre 19’’’, manual-winding, 18 jewels, ‘Extra’ quality, Pellaton-type (so-called ‘Le Locle Technicum calibre’), rhodium-plated, curved centre bridge, going barrel, three-arm equidistant Pellaton carriage with equilibrated lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensated Guillaume balance with gold poising screws, blued steel hairspring with Phillips terminal curve and amplitude control device, gold screwed-chaton end-stone, polished steel index-regulator with gold scale plate (18 000 vibrations per hour), eight adjustments, adjusted by the precision timer ‘régleur’ Jules Golay-Audemars, Geneva. Type of winding and time setting: winding and time-setting by the crown on the pendant. -- Observatory At the timing contest organised in 1926 at the Astronomical Observatory of Geneva, this chronometer was awarded a First Class Bulletin, with a First Prize mention. It was ranked 2nd out of 40, with 802 points on a possible total of 1 000. The first obtained 827 points and the last classified 619 points. Its number of deposit was 177 (January 15 to March 03, 1927). Abstract of the timing contest · Mean average daily rate +/- 0.20 · Mean average corresponding to a change of position +/- 0.13 · Error of compensation (per 1° centigrade) +/- 0.028 · Restart period + 0.06 assets/a20be5d3-baa8-4aaf-8c32-6325163ec0d8.jpg QmXNSU88b31MpXLpNiuNUfxpdxp18W1spBiEHWrQnUL6in images 0.01 7 1 180000.00000 False 5 1 QmQ5ReFu4mFAb6Kz47QA9zRofoXz7Lq6i5q58yGkqABTpb 1922 C. 1922 Pocket chronometer with Observatory Bulletin, one-minute tourbillon regulator, lever escapement, amber egg-shell enamel dial; yellow gold (18-carat) auction assets/4d6d7ee4-c39e-4a36-b660-39805a858379.jpg manually False 333 FG24293 This exceptional pocket watch has a large and heavy case. As a result, it is much more impressive than other pocket watches, making the dial extremely easy to read. -- What is a tourbillon? The tourbillon mechanism cancels out the variations in rate due to gravity; it’s one of the most remarkable creations in the history of the watchmaking. It consists of a circular mobile carriage holding all the escapement components, with, in its centre, the regulating organ. The carriage generally completes one revolution per minute; this rotation compensates the negative effects of gravity on the escapement and in particular on the balance-wheel. This mechanism was invented in 1801 by Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823). At the time of the invention of the tourbillon, it was known that gravity and the movements caused to a timepiece had a negative effect on its precision. Watchmakers were well aware that pocket watches suffered from the effects of gravity because they were generally worn in the same position, moved continuously during the day and held in a different position when read, which affected their movement and therefore their accuracy. This is without even mentioning the natural ageing of the vegetable, animal or mineral oils used to lubricate the pivoting or friction points of the components that make up the watch movement. In a tourbillon, the whole of the watch’s regulating organ rotates – including the balance-wheel and its hairspring, the escape wheel and the lever or detent (spring or pivoted) – i order to compensate for the effect of gravity in the different positions and thus improve the watch’s rate. -- Patek Philippe chronometers and tourbillons Patek Philippe chronometer movements were manufactured to the highest possible standards and were especially adjusted by master ‘régleurs’ such as the famous François Modoux, Henri Wehrli, Jules Golay-Audemars (like the present watch) and Charles Batifolier. The watches prepared by them, particularly those won prizes in observatory contests, were several times more expensive than the standard ones. It is interesting to note that this watch underwent the rigorous tests of the Geneva Astronomical Observatory, winning prizes in pocket-watch competitions in 1924, 1925 and 1926, including a First Prize in 1924. The Geneva Observatory, along with the observatories at Neuchâtel and Kew-Teddington, were the main European institutions responsible for assessing and rating the precision of timepiece movements. The tests carried out at the Geneva observatory initially lasted 40 days and required the watch to be tested in different positions and at different temperatures in order to verify its ability to maintain the most accurate precision possible. Accurate time measurement was essential to the progress of science and maritime navigation. In 1873, the Geneva Observatory organised its first annual chronometer competition. Patek Philippe won the coveted First Prize for the first time in 1884. Jules Golay-Audemars appears in the list of chronometers awarded prizes by the Geneva Astronomical Observatory between 1917 and 1934. This pocket chronometer is listed in Meis, Reinhart, Das Tourbillon, Verlag Laterna Magica, 1986, p. 352. -- Real scarcity of real chronometers By the end of the 19th century, the Swiss watch industry produced millions of watches. Each year, an infinitesimal part of them are especially manufactured and adjusted to be presented to the annual chronometrical contests of the observatories of Geneva or Neuchâtel. With the improvement of production techniques, the observatory regularly reinforces the rules of the contest; this competition becomes, every year, always more difficult. On the very small quantity of watches subjected to the rigorous and impartial control of the observatories, a good part is rejected; only the best pieces remain in the running. Winning a Bulletin de marche – especially one of ‘First Class’ – allows watch manufacturers to prove their chronometry skills. The same applies to the distinctions obtained at industrial or artistic exhibitions, whether at regional, national or universal level. At a time when marketing and advertising do not exist, this is the only real way to promote a company to the public and potential customers. In 1898, in Geneva, only 26 pieces received a 1st Class Bulletin de marche; this shows how a real ‘chronometer’ with a Bulletin de marche is extremely rare! -- Pellaton, Jämes-César (1873-1954) One of the most esteemed tourbillon makers of the early part of the 20th century. He learned his craft from his father, Frédéric-Albert Pellaton-Favre (1832-1914), also a renowned maker of chronometers with one-minute tourbillon regulator. In terms of design, he followed in his father’s footsteps, using the same type of ébauches (blanks). He taught at the Horological School in Le Locle, Technicum neuchâtelois (1903-1939) and became its Director (1926). He also published a remarkable Cours d’échappements (1921), a treatise on horology which has been reprinted many times and translated into several languages. In 1943, the Neuchâtel government awarded him the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa. He was awarded Honorary Member of the Union of Watchmakers of Finland in 1936 and decorated by the Finnish Watchmakers Society and Government with the White Rose Order in 1949. This is the first time such an award is given to a foreigner. -- Amber ‘egg-shell’ enamel dial In Patek Philippe production, the use of a slightly amber-tinted enamel dial is a sign of quality. This is a tradition used mainly by British manufacturers, but sometimes also in Switzerland, as can be seen here. Tinted enamel consists of colouring the usual white to give it a creamier appearance. Willis in London, probably the most important dial maker of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, specialised in this technique. Patek Philippe, Master of all Horological Complication Patek Philippe is a prestigious Swiss watch manufacturer, renowned for its luxury watches and exceptional craftsmanship. Founded in 1839 in Geneva by Antoine Norbert de Patek (1812-1877) and François Czapek (1811-after 1869), the company quickly established its reputation as a manufacturer of superior watches. In 1844, following the National Exhibition of French Industrial Products in Paris, Antoine Norbert de Patek met Jean-Adrien Philippe (1814-1894), a young French watchmaker. In 1845, after Czapek’s departure, the two men concluded a commercial agreement and introduced numerous innovations in the field of watchmaking, notably a keyless-winding and time-setting system for which Philippe received a Bronze medal. In 1851, the company was renamed “Patek, Philippe & Cie – Fabricants à Genève”, and over the decades became synonymous with exclusivity, precision and technical perfection as evidenced by the wristwatch made for the countess Hungarian Koscowicz (1868), patents for a precision regulator (1881), a perpetual calendar mechanism (1889), a double chronograph (1902) and all the brand’s creations, whether pocket watches or watches. bracelets with horological complications. From the early 1900s until 1927, Patek Philippe introduced a unique business model. The house’s main distributor based in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, “Gondolo & Labouriau” sold more than a third of the production at the time thanks to a cleverly orchestrated sales system. These timepieces, known as “Chronometro Gondolo”, are collector’s items famous both for their very high technical quality and for their unique history. The watches were sold at the time, exclusively to members of a very select clubs called the “Gondolo Gang” which have 180 members. Being part of these collector’s clubs was, at the beginning of the 20th century, a distinctive sign of success in Brazilian society. According to an ingenious raffle system, each member of the club agrees to buy a watch for the amount of 790 Swiss francs divided into 79 weekly instalments of 10 francs. During these 79 weeks of repayment, a weekly draw is organized where the winner is released from the balance of his debt. The first winner pays 10 francs for their watch, the second 20 francs, etc. The earlier you buy your watch, the cheaper it costs, provided you win this lottery. Echoing this episode in its history, the “Gondolo” collection was reinterpreted in 1993 with shaped watches. In 1932, Patek Philippe became a family business when the Stern family, already involved in the production of dials for the brand, bought the company. It is also the year of the launch of a model that will become the brand’s flagship collection: the “Calatrava”. Even today, it contributes to the success and reputation of the company. Among the emblematic models of Patek Philippe, we can also mention the “Ellipse” (1968) with its elliptical-shaped case, at the crossroads of the circle and the rectangle which is inspired by the “golden ratio”; the “Nautilus” (1976), a sporty and luxurious watch whose case is inspired by a porthole; or watches for women, such as the “Twenty-4” collection (1999), which combines feminine elegance with horological precision. Since its creation, the brand has been driven by a spirit of innovation. In 1989, Patek Philippe released a very complex model to celebrate its 150th anniversary. Named “Calibre 89”, the watch is equipped with 33 horological complications and its calibre is made up of 1 728 parts. Eleven years later, in order to celebrate the second millennium, the brand released the “Star Calibre 2000” model, a double-sided pocket watch with 21 horological complications. Finally, the year 2002 saw the launch of the “Sky Moon Tourbillon” model, the most complicated double-sided wristwatch ever produced by the house. Benchmark precision instruments, Patek Philippe watches are also recognized by collectors for being objects of art whose beauty reflects perfection. For many years, Patek Philippe has strived to preserve all the high craftsmanship professions linked for more than four centuries to the decoration of timepieces. This is how exceptional contemporary creations come into being – pocket watches, wristwatches, or clocks –, most often unique pieces, which highlight all these skills that are threatened with disappearance. This transmission value is essential for the brand. Patek Philippe can be proud of having filed more than 70 patents since its creation, notably for a Gyromax balance-wheel (1949), mechanical watches with time zones (1959), a mechanical movement with peripheral rotor (1964), an indicator mechanism of the date of Easter (1985), an annual calendar (1996) or even an astronomical representation mechanism (2000). These technical innovations have largely contributed to advancing the horological industry while contributing to the brand’s reputation for excellence. Today, Patek Philippe is a watch brand that continues to produce superior quality watches that are admired by watch enthusiasts around the world. -- Key Dates • 1839: foundation of “Patek, Czapek & Cie2 by Antoine Norbert de Patek and François Czapek in Geneva. • 1845: following the departure of Czapek, the company becomes “Patek & Cie”. Arrival of Jean-Adrien Philippe, a young French watchmaker who invented a keyless-winding and time-setting mechanism. • 1851: the company is now called “Patek, Philippe & Cie”. The house presented its products at the Universal Exhibition in London, the first event of its kind. • 1868: manufacture of the first wristwatch for the Hungarian Countess Koscowicz. • 1901: the company becomes a public limited company. • 1932: acquisition of a majority of shares by the Stern family, one of the manufacturers of dials for the brand. Launch of the reference 96 which will later be called “Calatrava”. • 1949: patent for the “Gyromax” balance-wheel. • 1953: launch of the self-winding “Calibre 12-600 AT”. • 1968: launch of the first “Golden Ellipse” model, the Ref. 3548. • 1976: launch of the first “Nautilus” sports watch, the Ref. 3700/1 in stainless steel. • 1989: 150th anniversary of the manufacture. Launch of various commemorative watches and the “Calibre 89”, at the time the most complicated watch ever made, with 33 horological complications. • 1996: establishment of the new factory in Plan-les-Ouates, near Geneva. • 2001: inauguration of the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, exhibiting a remarkable collection of antique watches, horological art and enamel (1500-1850), and Patek Philippe watches. • 2019: 180th anniversary of the manufacture. -- Iconic models and current collections • “Calatrava”: this collection is emblematic of the manufacture. These watches are distinguished by their clean and classic design, with a round case and a minimalist dial. The “Calatrava” embodies timeless elegance and represents the brand’s traditional watchmaking know-how. • “Nautilus”: this model is one of the most emblematic models of the manufacture. Designed by Gérald Genta, it is high-end sports watch recognizable by its octagonal case and its integrated bracelet. It offers a perfect balance between sportiness and elegance. • “Aquanaut”: this collection is another line of sports watches from Patek Philippe. These watches are characterized by its octagonal case and rubber strap. It offers a contemporary aesthetic and high resistance to hydrostatic pressure. • “Twenty-4”: this collection is specially designed for women. These watches combine classic elegance with contemporary style. Initially equipped with a rectangular-shaped case and offering a selection of models with diamonds and steel or gold bracelets, they are now round in shape. Elegance: extremely fine FFF Rarity: extremely rare RRR Case: excellent 9 / 10 Dial: excellent 9 / 10 Movement: excellent 9 / 10 Expert opinion: excellent -- Condition report Case: in excellent condition. Dial: in excellent condition. Movement: in excellent condition; functional. -- Rapport d’état Boîtier : en excellent état. Cadran : en excellent état. Mouvement : en excellent état ; fonctionnel. False 10/25/2024 8:17:03 PM 10/27/2024 10:20:16 AM 0 883 Pocket chronometer with Observatory Bulletin, one-minute tourbillon regulator, lever escapement, amber ‘egg-shell’ enamel dial; yellow gold (18-carat) Pocket chronometer with Observatory Bulletin, one-minute tourbillon regulator, lever escapement, amber ‘egg-shell’ enamel dial; yellow gold (18-carat) Brand Patek Philippe, Geneva Model ‘Tourbillon’ Retailed by / made for Bulletin de marche from the Geneva Astronomical Observatory (1926) Year circa 1922 Reference - Movement No. 197 734 Calibre 22’’’, manual-winding, 18 jewels Case No. 412 253 Material/s yellow gold (18-carat) Bracelet - Buckle - Dimensions Ø 52.9 mm. Thickness 15.5 mm. Weight 139.3 gr. (approx.) Signature dial, case and movement Accessories Extract from the Archives; copy of the Bulletin de marche -- Patek Philippe Pocket chronometer with Observatory Bulletin, one-minute tourbillon regulator, lever escapement, amber ‘egg-shell’ enamel dial; yellow gold (18-carat) -- Tourbillon Chronometer Awarded a First Class Bulletin, with a First Prize -- Yellow gold (18-carat), open-face, keyless-winding, round-shaped, large, heavy and impressive pocket chronometer, with subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock, and a one-minute tourbillon regulator. -- Case: No. 197 734, four-piece, ‘Bassine à gouttes’, polished, invisible hinges; gold and glass cuvette (dome) allowing to see the movement; oval-shaped clipped bow. Dial: amber colour, enamel (two-piece), ‘egg-shell’, with black painted radiating Roman numerals; external minute track divided five by five, with black painted radiating lines; blued steel ‘Poire’ pear-shaped hands. Movement: No. 412 253, calibre 19’’’, manual-winding, 18 jewels, ‘Extra’ quality, Pellaton-type (so-called ‘Le Locle Technicum calibre’), rhodium-plated, curved centre bridge, going barrel, three-arm equidistant Pellaton carriage with equilibrated lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensated Guillaume balance with gold poising screws, blued steel hairspring with Phillips terminal curve and amplitude control device, gold screwed-chaton end-stone, polished steel index-regulator with gold scale plate (18 000 vibrations per hour), eight adjustments, adjusted by the precision timer ‘régleur’ Jules Golay-Audemars, Geneva. Type of winding and time setting: winding and time-setting by the crown on the pendant. -- Observatory At the timing contest organised in 1926 at the Astronomical Observatory of Geneva, this chronometer was awarded a First Class Bulletin, with a First Prize mention. It was ranked 2nd out of 40, with 802 points on a possible total of 1 000. The first obtained 827 points and the last classified 619 points. Its number of deposit was 177 (January 15 to March 03, 1927). Abstract of the timing contest · Mean average daily rate +/- 0.20 · Mean average corresponding to a change of position +/- 0.13 · Error of compensation (per 1° centigrade) +/- 0.028 · Restart period + 0.06 /auctions/Patek-Philippe/C.-1922/Fall2024/333 Pocket chronometer with Observatory Bulletin, one-minute tourbillon regulator, lever escapement, amber ‘egg-shell’ enamel dial; yellow gold (18-carat) 1 Super Admin supe admin NORMAL True False False True False False Pending 2/22/2023 5:28:54 AM 1/22/2024 7:20:43 AM 7 Pocket Watches pocket-watches-on-sale buy 21146 1438 assets/a20be5d3-baa8-4aaf-8c32-6325163ec0d8.jpg images True 10/27/2024 10:20:16 AM 10/27/2024 10:20:16 AM 21147 1438 https://d3uwo5oqixn6qw.cloudfront.net/assets/7c1ce300-2f20-4b70-8452-02432a3462a2.jpg image/jpeg False 10/27/2024 10:20:16 AM 10/27/2024 10:20:16 AM 21148 1438 https://d3uwo5oqixn6qw.cloudfront.net/assets/0eec6371-3cbf-4591-a8de-65ed9019ea9b.jpg image/jpeg False 10/27/2024 10:20:16 AM 10/27/2024 10:20:16 AM 21149 1438 https://d3uwo5oqixn6qw.cloudfront.net/assets/0217e065-d225-4380-9861-85feeac6fb3e.jpg image/jpeg False 10/27/2024 10:20:16 AM 10/27/2024 10:20:16 AM 21150 1438 https://d3uwo5oqixn6qw.cloudfront.net/assets/cb9094ef-2a83-4752-9327-678c4dbf8b31.jpg image/jpeg False 10/27/2024 10:20:16 AM 10/27/2024 10:20:16 AM 0 0