Patek Philippe - Double Signed: A Celebration of the Finest Partnerships of Manufacturers and Retailers Geneva Friday, November 8, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1924
    Movement No: 184'091
    Case No: 290'466
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12''', 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle
    Dimensions: 30mm Width and 43mm Length
    Signed: Movement and case signed, dial further signed Tiffany & Co.
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1924 with rectangular-shaped case No. 10, gilt dial and radium numerals and its subsequent sale on May 10, 1927.
    Provenance: Habsburg, Feldman Fine Art Auctioneers, Geneva, The Art of Patek Philippe, April 9, 1989, lot 168.

  • Provenance

    Habsburg, Feldman Fine Art Auctioneers, Geneva, The Art of Patek Philippe, April 9, 1989, lot 168.

  • Catalogue Essay

    This timepiece is an exceptional specimen due to a number of reasons. A very early wristwatch in the history of horology, it features the signature of storied retailer Tiffany & Co. at 6 o'clock. The dial displays a beautiful champagne dial that has further intensified through time and also confirmed by the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives. Luminous numerals and hands furthermore provide aesthetic flair.

    Most notably, the case is incredibly large for the period. At 30 millimeters in width and 43 millimeters in length, it hugs the wrist perfectly. It was a very rare occurrence for any watchmaker to produce a wristwatch of this size, making the present lot an anomaly.

    Furthermore, its fantastic state of preservation cannot be understated. Considering that this watch did not have a water resistant screw-down caseback, one would expect the dial to be heavily spotted or tarnished. Indeed, many similar models of this size and from the period have undergone heavy restorations - to present one in such original condition is very noteworthy.

    Interestingly, the caseback displays the engraving "Presented to James E. Stiles by his friends in appreciation of his ability, foresight and progressiveness in the creation of the Nassau Daily Review today celebrating its sixth anniversary March 7, 1927." Further research reveals that James E. Stiles was a publisher of The Nassau Daily Review-Star and was an active member of the Nassau community, having served in the Red Cross Road Fund.

    Its provenance is particularly impressive, having been offered in the historical The Art of Patek Philippe sale on April 9, 1989.

  • 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 highly rare and attractive yellow gold rectangular wristwatch with champagne dial, luminous hands and numerals

1924
30mm Width and 43mm Length
Movement and case signed, dial further signed Tiffany & Co.

Estimate
CHF70,000 - 140,000 
€64,100-128,000
$70,300-141,000

Sold for CHF87,500

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