While Patek Philippe is respected by collectors and connoisseurs alike for the impeccable and timeless classic designs, the brand has always shown a certain audacious approach to its technical mastery and artistic sensitivity, influencing not only its epoch but future designs from other brands.

The present single pusher chronograph is most certainly one of the brand’s most historically important creations, as it is in fact one of the earliest known chronograph wristwatches to have left the Patek Philippe ateliers. This timepiece is also part of an extremely low production run of 27 single-button chronographs of which 16 had an officer case like the present model.

This chronograph is also a superb gem of horological design with its delicate round case, short lugs and large crown. The dial layout is also unusual with the continuous seconds at 6 o’clock and the minutes counter at 12. The beautiful hands and the Breguet numerals along with the brand name displayed horizontally give for a superb theatrical and charismatic render.

An ingenious slide has been placed at 2 o’clock enabling the crown to be blocked preventing the user from inadvertently starting or stopping the chronograph.

The large double-hinged officer case houses a superbly decorated chronograph movement based on a Victorin Piguet ébauche featuring a column-wheel cover, an element that has become a Patek Philippe signature ever since. It is interesting to note that the movement number is also engraved on the inner back cover.

Victorin Piguet is considered one of the world’s most important complicated movement makers, producing ébauches for some of Patek Philippe’s most sophisticated timepieces such as the Packard and Graves Grand Complications.

The ultimate rarity and historical importance of the present watch (in fact three similar pieces are in the Patek Philippe museum) is further enhanced by the overall superb state of preservation making this timepiece a true crown jewel to cherish for generations.