US import tariffs: Non-US origin lots in this sale (including watches and timepieces with Swiss-made or non-US made movements) will be subject to special tariffs upon import to the USA, currently ranging from 10% to 39% on the total invoice price (hammer price plus buyer’s premium). Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable tariffs, duties, taxes and charges when importing their purchased lots. Due to the evolving nature of international trade regulations, we recommend clients consult with their local customs office or advisor for up-to-date information on the applicable tariffs.
102
Patek Philippe
Ref. 605
A charming and scarce yellow gold worldtime pocket watch with presentation box
- Estimate
- CHF25,000 - 50,000€27,000 - 53,900$31,400 - 62,800
CHF57,150
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Patek Philippe
- Year
- 1946
- Reference No
- 605
- Movement No
- 930'645
- Case No
- 647'108
- Material
- 18k yellow gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 17'''170 HU, 18 jewels
- Dimensions
- 44.5mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives dated July 2025 confirming production of the present watch in 1946 and its subsequent sale on October 5, 1948, an additional Extract dated July '89, pouch and box.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Reference 605 represents the Patek Philippe pocket incarnation of the World Time (Heures Universelles) mechanism invented by Louis Cottier. Between 1930 and 1964, Cottier delivered to Patek Philippe 95 modified 17-170 movements (considered one of the best time only movements of its time), most of them employed in ref. 605, rendering this an astoundingly rare model with a total output below 100 pieces.
The present example impresses with its incredible condition. Obviously hardly ever used, the timepiece appears to be in superb condition in all of its parts, to the point that it can be considered a “scholarly” piece which allows the beholder to admire the original proportions of the case and details of the dial in absolutely unmarred state. The satin finish to the back is strong, the hallmark to the bow crisp and a layer of oxidation is present. The city ring moves smoothly and correctly and satisfyingly snaps into place, indicating no buildup of debris underneath the bezel.
A final layer of appeal is given to the watch by its "short signature". Patek Philippe changed their signature from "Patek Philippe & co." to "Patek Philippe" in 1948. The Extract confirms that the watch was manufactured in 1946 ( meaning the movement was made in 1946) and sold in October 1948. It is more than an educated guess that the dial was mounted on the watch while completing it in 1948, making this one of the very first “Short Signature” Patek Phillippe watches.
The present example impresses with its incredible condition. Obviously hardly ever used, the timepiece appears to be in superb condition in all of its parts, to the point that it can be considered a “scholarly” piece which allows the beholder to admire the original proportions of the case and details of the dial in absolutely unmarred state. The satin finish to the back is strong, the hallmark to the bow crisp and a layer of oxidation is present. The city ring moves smoothly and correctly and satisfyingly snaps into place, indicating no buildup of debris underneath the bezel.
A final layer of appeal is given to the watch by its "short signature". Patek Philippe changed their signature from "Patek Philippe & co." to "Patek Philippe" in 1948. The Extract confirms that the watch was manufactured in 1946 ( meaning the movement was made in 1946) and sold in October 1948. It is more than an educated guess that the dial was mounted on the watch while completing it in 1948, making this one of the very first “Short Signature” Patek Phillippe watches.
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.
Browse Maker