With the advent of pocket and deck chronometers following Britain’s Longitude Act of 1714, which set forth specifications and a monetary reward for anyone that executed a practical, reliable and precise instrument to determine a ship’s longitude at sea, observatory testing has become an integral part of the horological world. The challenge was ultimately met by John Harrison (1693-1776) whose H4 “sea watch” became the standard and provided an accurate method for determining longitude, allowing for safer seafaring.

Mechanical timepieces, in particular chronometers, are highly accurate and the stringent observatory testing helps manufacturers maintain the highest possible standards. By the 19th century, observatories, such as the Swiss Observatories in Neuchâtel and Geneva, and the Kew Observatory in the UK, were holding “time contests” to scientifically judge these precision timepieces. Through the Bulletin de marche, rating certificates were awarded based on overall performance and it is within this milieu that brands such as Patek Philippe entered watches for competition. Today the Swiss Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, formed in 1973, tests movement for 15 days in five positions and three different temperatures and issues a certificate if the movement meets their exacting standards.

A chance to acquire the best of the best, timepieces awarded the First Prize deserves a special place in a seasoned collector’s possession. Patek Philippe began tourbillon production in the early 1860s with the first known, number 25’298, manufactured in 1864. It is believed that they have produced approximately 100 tourbillon regulators with majority crafted by Le Locle based tourbillons and chronometers master watchmaker, A. Pellaton-Favre (1832-1914). According to our research, himself alone built approximately 82 tourbillons.

Inheriting exceptional talent, his second generation, James C. Pellaton (1873-1954) also developed distinct reputation as one of the most accomplished watchmakers of the early twentieth century. He apprenticed under his father and dedicated his career to developing tourbillons. Together they produced 35 tourbillons for Patek Philippe.

An influential watchmaker, Pellaton went on to become the director of the Le Locle watchmaking school and continued to his legacy by producing and mentoring student, earning the reputation as the foremost tourbillon maker of the time. His distinct tourbillon carriage design can be seen on the present lot.

A marvel crafted by James Pellaton, this highly rare Patek Philippe one-minute tourbillon pocket watch with up/down indicator movement numbered 197’585 won its distinction in 1924 with First Prize at the Geneva Astronomical Observatory competing in Category B with a total of 815 points. In order to win first class, the watch had to be of exceptional quality and while from the outside the pocket watch looks classic and sublime, the movement is a mechanical marvel with a one-minute tourbillon carriage with Guillaume balance and Breguet balance spring.

Very few Patek Philippe watches carry the double engraved “Extra” quality designation and it would be for such a “timing contest” that the manufacturer would use such movements. A second name associated with this extraordinary timepiece is J. Golay-Audemars, the celebrated master adjuster, who was responsible for preparing the watch for competition. In addition to being a prize winner, this pocket watch displays a beautiful double sunk amber-colored enamel dial similar to the one manufactured by Willis and also called "venetian tint" by the English collectors.

Notably, the up/down indicator used in a tourbillon pocket watch is only known in one other Patek Philippe, no. 174720, made for one of the firm's most famous patrons, James Ward Packard. In addition to the up­/down function, Mr. Packard's watch included a two train minute repeating mechanism. Similar to the present watch, the carriage for the Packard watch was also constructed by James Pellaton. However, it is interesting to note that the Packard watch had a smaller movement measuring only 19 lignes whereas the present watch has a movement measuring 21 lignes. Making the present example one of the largest tourbillon watches produced by Patek Philippe with this complication.

Stowed away in a private collection for nearly 26 years, this prized example is extremely well-preserved. Their importance are highly regarded to their makers for its significance in horological contribution, and are typically inaccessible. Presenting a highly rare opportunity, the present rare bird is one of 100 exceptional watches by Patek Philippe in the era made available to the public.