Patek Philippe - STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them New York Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1928
    Movement No: 198'215
    Case No: 292'634
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, Victorin Piguet, cal. 13", 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: Modern 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle
    Dimensions: 34mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed.
    Accessories: With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with painted black Breguet numerals in 1928 and its subsequent sale on April 6th, 1933.
    Literature: A similar reference single button chronograph with officer case in yellow gold, bearing the case number 292'636 and the movement number 198'228 is catalogued in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches: Volume II, pp. 259.

  • Catalogue Essay

    With only 27 examples known to the market Patek Philippe, the brand’s single-button chronographs are amongst the rarest and most sought after in the field of complicated wristwatches.

    Regardless of brand, chronograph watches are one of the most useful and desirable of all available timepieces on the market today. There is a palpable passion and attention to detail amongst connoisseurs and scholars when discussing their favorite chronographs - from the iconic case designs to the intricacies and architectures of revered movements. The first chronograph watch is attributed to Louis Moinet, a French watchmaker, who in 1816 completed an instrument he called “Compteur de Tierces” or counter of thirds. His mechanism featured a high frequency movement with 60th seconds counter, along with elapsed seconds and minutes, all with a zero reset function. Over the ensuing years manufacturers developed new and innovative chronograph movements, and by the early 20th century the first truly modern chronograph wristwatches were available.

    The present single button officer-cased chronograph wristwatch by Patek Philippe is an extremely rare example of these earliest wristwatch chronographs, and one of only 16 single button chronographs known with a hinged "Officer" case. Manufactured in 1928 and sold in 1933, it is interesting to note the watch was sold during the Great Depression, to most probably an important client who could still afford the luxury of a Patek Philippe watch. Inside the gorgeous, double-hinged officer case ticks an immaculately finished column wheel chronograph movement. The ébauche was made by Victorin Piguet & Co. of Le Sentier, which during the early 20th century was one of the world’s most important makers of high quality complicated movements - in particular, single button chronographs, split-seconds chronographs, minute repeating, and perpetual calendar watches. Patek Philippe’s production of single button chronographs ended in the late 1930s, not to be repeated until the 21st century.

    Fresh to the market, this single button chronograph is a charismatic and elegant watch that will delight collectors for its beauty, rarity, and overall excellent condition. The 34mm diameter “Officer” case with hinged back and cuvette is reminiscent of pocket watches, however its size, which was considered large for the period adds to the desirability of this early chronograph, and with its dramatic wire lugs, has a surprisingly modern aesthetic. The timelessly styled dial features gorgeous, enameled Breguet numerals that are confirmed on the extract from the archives. The chronograph wristwatch is one of the most alluring of timepieces, and the present single button model is an important and wonderful example from the early 20th century - looking as good today as it did 90 years after its production.

  • 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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ΔΣ47

An extremely rare and highly attractive yellow gold single button chronograph wristwatch with hinged officer-style wire lug case and Breguet numerals

1928
34mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed.

Estimate
$300,000 - 500,000 
CHF299,000-498,000
€261,000-434,000
HK$2,350,000-3,920,000

Sold for $337,500

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them

New York Auction 5 December 2018