The ref. 725 is part of a line of perpetual calendar pocket watches produced from the early 1940s with the DNA of Patek Philippe’s iconic wristwatch references such as the 1518, 1526, 2497, and 2499. It was offered in a variety of dial configurations with known reference variants of 725/1, 725/2, 725/3, and 725/4, and encased in yellow gold, pink gold, and platinum.
In the 1940s, Patek had introduced the "Bell Pendant" ref. 706 pocket watch, followed by the ref. 715. The ref. 725 was the next evolution of this perpetual calendar pocket watch line, with its bold 46mm diameter size and sleek modernist style. The cases for all ref. 725 variants were produced by renowned casemaker Wenger.
The rarest of these is the ref. 725/2 dial configuration, of which only less than 20 examples in yellow gold are known to exist. It featured a Victorin Piguet & Cie perpetual calendar ebauche and had one of two display designs, one with four subsidiary dials for the calendar and moonphase, and the other with the “American” linear calendar display like the present example. As one of these scarce pieces known to the market, it is preserved in excellent overall condition and comes with an Extract from the Archives confirming its production in 1951. For the discerning collector of important vintage timepieces, this extraordinary pocket watch is a wonderful example of the traditional workmanship of a bygone era, and a rare opportunity for the connoisseur.