Patek Philippe - The New York Watch Auction: SEVEN New York Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Phillips

The New York Watch Auction: SEVEN

New York Auction 10 - 11 December 2022

  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1953
    Reference No: 600/3
    Movement No: 892’027
    Case No: 679’735
    Material: Platinum, diamonds
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 17-140, 18 jewels
    Dimensions: 42.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement signed. Bow engraved with retailer inventory code “104’390”
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1953 and its subsequent sale on September 3rd, 1954 with 81 diamonds – a total of 1.26 carats.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Until the mid-twentieth century, the pocket watch was the primary method for the telling of time. Whether attached by a short fob, or a long chain, whatever their size they were tucked into a waistcoat or suit jacket and consulted as needed. Now, the ritual of pulling out a pocket watch is one most people have only really seen in period pieces or described in books – but that does not mean that pocket watches have lost their relevance in contemporary society. The size of a pocket watch allows the watchmaker to experiment with aesthetic or technical innovations without the restrictions of a smaller sized wristwatch. As we spend more time at home, even as the world returns to a pre-pandemic existence, perhaps we can find space in our home offices or more leisurely wardrobes for the return of the pocket watch.

    A valiant contender for such a return, the present reference 600/3 is fresh-to-the-market, coming from a prominent American collector of “best-quality” vintage watches – wrist and pocket alike. Though the reference was produced beginning in 1933 until at least the late 1960s, only three reference 600/3 in platinum have previously appeared on the market, the present lot being the fourth. With a case manufactured by E. Vichet, as designated by the casemaker’s key on the inside caseback, and a dial rendered not in silver as was typical of the time, but solid 18K gold, it has a value beyond what is easily distinguishable with the naked eye. Those eyes do, however, notice not only the diamond-set dial but also the case rim set with 81 total round brilliant diamonds, for a total of 1.26 carats as confirmed on the Extract of the Archives. One mystery that is yet to be solved is the presence of a retailer inventory code stamped on a bow. Our preliminary research shows the numbers resemble those of the Argentinian retailer Joyeria Ricciardi, and indeed, the three other examples of platinum 600/3 were all retailed by similarly well-known Italian or South American retailers of Patek Philippe.

    A fitting evening companion for the flawlessly accoutered man or woman, the present reference 600/3, cased in platinum and studded with diamonds, is quite a different though nonetheless powerful “flex” watch.

  • 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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Patek Philippe

Ref. 600/3
A lovely, extremely rare, and supremely elegant platinum and diamond-set pocket watch with diamond-set dial

1953
42.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement signed. Bow engraved with retailer inventory code “104’390”

Estimate
$6,000 - 12,000 
CHF5,700-11,400
€5,800-11,600
HK$47,000-93,900
S$8,300-16,500

Sold for $15,120

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

Isabella Proia

Head of Sale, New York

+1 (212) 940 1285

iproia@phillips.com

 

The New York Watch Auction: SEVEN

New York Auction 10 - 11 December 2022