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

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1954
    Reference No: 725/3
    Movement No: 931’250
    Case No: 311’160
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 17-170, 18 jewels
    Dimensions: 46mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by original Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped Genève, March 1965, and green cloth Patek Philippe presentation box. Further accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1954 and its subsequent sale on March 6th, 1965.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Pocket watches evolved from a tradition of horological excellence in quality craftsmanship, and mechanical innovation, and were the precursors for some of the most desired wristwatches available today. The present yellow gold perpetual calendar pocket watch is a new and remarkable discovery. It is the first known reference 725-3 configuration to ever appear, and an elegant reminder of the superb, complicated timepieces that Patek Philippe manufactured for their best clientele.

    The reference 725 was one of the brand’s most prestigious pocket watch models, with the DNA for iconic wristwatch references like the 1518, 1526, 2497, and 2499. First introduced in 1940, the model was available in yellow gold, pink gold, and platinum. It was offered in a variety of dial configurations with previously known reference variants of 725-1, 725-2, 725-4, and now, this newly discovered reference 725-3.

    The reference 725-3 is distinguished from other examples of the reference, with the date subsidiary dial at 12 o’clock, the month at 3 o’clock, and without leap year indication. The reference 725-2 is reversed, with the date at 3 o’clock, and month with leap year indication at 12 o’clock, while the reference 725-1 is similar to the 725-2 except it features a rectangular pendant, not the bell pendant found on all other models. Finally, the 725-4 featured a linear digital calendar display, known as “American straight line calendar ”, typically found on examples from the 1970s. With a contemporary and sleek 46mm case, all variants of the reference 725 were housed in Wenger-made cases – the same maker for the vast majority of reference 2499 wristwatches.

    Consigned by the family of the original owner – an accomplished American corporate executive who appreciated fine watches, this possibly unique reference 725-3 is fresh-to-the-market and complete with its original Certificate of Origin, presentation box and Extract from the Archives. This extraordinary pocket watch is a wonderful example of the traditional workmanship of a bygone era, and a rare opportunity for the connoisseur.

    Consigned by the family of the original owner

  • 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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Ref. 725/3
A possibly unique, very rare, and highly attractive yellow gold open face perpetual calendar pocket watch with moon phase, original Certificate of Origin, and presentation box

1954
46mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
$25,000 - 50,000 
CHF23,700-47,500
€24,200-48,400
HK$196,000-391,000
S$34,400-68,800

Sold for $226,800

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