Thematic Auction in Geneva:The Evolut...

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Nov 16, 2002

LOT 546

Patek, Philippe & Cie., Genève, No. 138116, case No. 260678, destined for Geneva Oservatory Contest, made in 1908 for Franz Michaelsen, Horloger, Rome and sold by him to Raffaele Genovesi, sold on November 20, 1911.Exceptionally fine and possibly unique large silver keyless deck chronometer with 36-hour power reserve indicator, adjusted for the Geneva Observatory Timing Contest (with certificate obtained on July 12, 1911), accompanied by Extract from the Archives.

CHF 23,000 - 30,000

EUR 15,000 - 20,000

Sold: CHF 29,900

C. Four-body, massive, polished, silver, hinged cuvette. D. Silver, champlevé bold radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, winding indicator at 12 o'clock, subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "spade" hands. M. 54.3 mm (24'''), nickel, "fausses côtes" decoration, straight line calibrated lever escapement, anibal-brass Guillaume cut bimetallic compensation balance with poising wings on the balance and gold and platinum screws, blued steel Breguet balance spring with outer and inner Phillips' terminl curves, diamond endstone, stamped twice with the serial number.Signed on dial, case and movement, dial and cuvette signed by the retailer.Diam. 66 mm.


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Grading System
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 01

Notes

This is the largest recorded Patek Philippe deck watch in either silver or gold; most are 60 mm. in diameter. It is exceptionally well made, adjusted for the Observatory Contest, and engraved on the pillar plate and bridge with the serial number, which was one of the prerequisites of the Observatory Contest rules.Every detail, such as the special Guillaume balance with small "wings" at the arm for poising "in the raw" - before the screws are placed, superior polish of the steel parts, beveled jewel holes, and the very light undercut escape wheel with raised teeth, shows that the watch was a special one.