Patek Philippe. An extremely fine and very rare large 18K gold openface minute repeating perpetual calendar keyless lever chronograph watch with moon phases, Breguet numerals, original certificate and box

It is always exciting when a hitherto unrecorded complicated watch by Patek Philippe is discovered. The present watch has been consigned by a direct descendant of its first owner who purchased the watch new in 1913. According to the family it has been very little used since the 1930s. Furthermore the watch is sold with the original box and Certificate.

Even in a world where the wristwatch reigns supreme, complicated pocket watches particularly those made by Patek Philippe remain a source of fascination. The quest for timekeeping accuracy and technical complexity backed up by incredible mathematical and mechanical genius is how Patek Philippe built and cemented its reputation as the ultimate watchmaking house from the late 19th century to the present day.

Timepieces such as the present watch with complications including minute repeating and perpetual calendar were true marvels of the age, often taking months or even years to complete they cost a small fortune, then as now Patek Philippe watches were coveted trophies, the ownership of which conveyed an individual’s good taste and success to other cognoscenti.

The present watch has seven complications: minute repeater, perpetual calendar, date, days of the week, months, moon phases and chronograph. Combining fresh to the market provenance, great aesthetics and rare complications, it would make a superb addition to any serious watch collection.

Similar watches are illustrated in: Patek Philippe Watches, Volume I, Patek Philippe Museum, 2014, p. 392-404.