Patek Philippe - Double Signed: A Celebration of the Finest Partnerships of Manufacturers and Retailers Geneva Friday, November 8, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1892
    Movement No: 95'101
    Case No: 95'101
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 19'''
    Dimensions: 50.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Movement signed, dial and case signed by Bailey Banks & Biddle
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1892 with enamel dial, Breguet numerals and subsidiary seconds dial with remarks that the movement and dial were sold without a case and its subsequent sale on 1899. Furthermore accompanied by correspondance letter between Patek Philippe and Gübelin and a Gübelin pouch.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Preserved in excellent condition, this large openface watch displays an enamel dial proudly displaying "Bailey Banks & Biddle Co" in lieu of the Patek Philippe signature. Also featuring subsidiary seconds, this timepiece has been preserved in excellent condition, which is impressive considering that it was manufactured in 1892. The enamel dial shows no signs of cracking, which is particularly noteworthy. At the time of production, Patek Philippe provided the movement and the dial, while the case was produced by the retailer.

    The movement also features a Guillaume Balance, a balance made of steel and nickel alloy with anti-magnetic properties and un-affected by varying temperatures. It was an invention that enabled its inventor, Charles-Eduard Guillaume, to obtain the Nobel Prize for physics in 1920.

    Interestingly, the inside case back bears the presentation inscription "Joseph H. Bromley Jr from C.O. Olsen Sep. 1900". Research shows that Joseph H. Bromley Jr belonged to the prolific Bromley family in Philadelphia - the very home of Bailey Banks & Biddle Co. The family most notably created textiles and carpets, contributing to the industry of the historic city.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    Since 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.

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A large, attractive and well-preserved yellow gold openface watch with enamel dial, subsidiary seconds and guillaume balance

1892
50.5mm Diameter
Movement signed, dial and case signed by Bailey Banks & Biddle

Estimate
CHF2,000 - 4,000 
€1,800-3,700
$2,000-4,000

Sold for CHF5,625

Contact Specialist
Virginie Liatard-Roessli
Specialist, Head of Sale
+41 76 338 91 03
vliatard@phillips.com

Double Signed: A Celebration of the Finest Partnerships of Manufacturers and Retailers

Geneva Auction 9 November 2019