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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1973 and its subsequent sale on 28 October 1975.
Distinguished by its architectural, modernist case and dial designs reduced to a minimalist level, reference 844 is one of Patek Philippe's greatest post war designs for complicated pocket watches. Launched in the mid-1960s, the model is best known for its so-called "American calendar", derived from the arrangement of the calendar indication, starting with month, date and day of the week as opposed to the European date, month and day of the week sequence. Also known as linear calendar or digital calendar display, it was introduced with references 699/2 and 699/5 in the mid-1950s and later evolved into the references 843 and 844. Of very similar style, only differing by size and minor case or dial details, references 843 and 844 were made in an exceedingly small series only, the vast majority in yellow gold, only one white gold example has appeared to date.
The present reference 844 impresses with its excellent overall condition, sharp angles to bezel and case and the crisp hallmark to the pendant. The original dial has never been subject to any restoration and displays a great shine, further enhancing the appeal of this rare triple complication.
For the illustration and description of reference 844 with movement no. 861'100 see Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches - Volume I, p. 387, Inv. P-700.
Distinguished by its architectural, modernist case and dial designs reduced to a minimalist level, reference 844 is one of Patek Philippe's greatest post war designs for complicated pocket watches. Launched in the mid-1960s, the model is best known for its so-called "American calendar", derived from the arrangement of the calendar indication, starting with month, date and day of the week as opposed to the European date, month and day of the week sequence. Also known as linear calendar or digital calendar display, it was introduced with references 699/2 and 699/5 in the mid-1950s and later evolved into the references 843 and 844. Of very similar style, only differing by size and minor case or dial details, references 843 and 844 were made in an exceedingly small series only, the vast majority in yellow gold, only one white gold example has appeared to date.
The present reference 844 impresses with its excellent overall condition, sharp angles to bezel and case and the crisp hallmark to the pendant. The original dial has never been subject to any restoration and displays a great shine, further enhancing the appeal of this rare triple complication.
For the illustration and description of reference 844 with movement no. 861'100 see Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches - Volume I, p. 387, Inv. P-700.