Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1881
    Case No: 65’165
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, Cal. 19’’’
    Dimensions: 56mm diameter
    Signed: Dial signed and numbered; movement signed
    Accessories: Delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture in 1881, and its subsequent date of sale on 8th September 1882.

  • Catalogue Essay

    This pocket watch holds a significant place in the history and evolution of Patek Philippe's perpetual calendar system. During the 1880s, Patek Philippe made remarkable strides in developing and refining complications in their timepieces, marking a significant chapter in the company's history defined by unwavering commitment to innovation and horological excellence.

    Manufactured in 1881, before the company patented its perpetual calendar mechanism in 1889, this watch stands as a testament to the early development of this remarkable feature. Patek Philippe's dedication to perfecting the perpetual calendar resulted in highly accurate and reliable timepieces. They focused on enhancing the user experience, incorporating intuitive mechanisms to adjust calendar displays easily. These early perpetual calendars showcased the brand's technical prowess, accounting for leap years, irregular month lengths, and lunar phases.

    From 1889 to 1904, Patek Philippe secured several patents for various watch movement mechanisms, solidifying its reputation as a creator of exceptional timepieces. The present watch, with its fusion of the perpetual calendar for astronomical functions, the chronograph for precise timing, and the distinct minute repeater for auditory pleasure, represents the pinnacle of watch manufacturing during that era. Its pristine original condition further adds to its overall appeal.

    Specially crafted for Bailey, Banks & Biddle, a renowned American jewellery and luxury goods retailer based in Philadelphia, this extraordinary timepiece exemplifies the brand's long-standing heritage associated with elegance and superior quality. Established in 1832, Bailey, Bank & Biddle has catered to discerning customers seeking exquisite jewelry, timepieces, and other luxurious accessories, earning a reputation for excellence.

    It is worth noting that only a minuscule number of Patek Philippe 'triple complication' watches have ever been publicly known or offered for sale at auction. With its exceptional quality and rarity, the present watch holds significant value and would undoubtedly be a prized addition to any serious watch collection.

  • 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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Property from a Prestigious Family Collection

969

A very early and impressive pink gold minute repeating perpetual calendar chronograph keyless pocket watch with half hunter case, enamel dial and moon phases

1881
56mm diameter
Dial signed and numbered; movement signed

Estimate
HK$320,000 - 640,000 
€37,700-75,400
$41,000-82,100

Sold for HK$508,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024