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Lot Essay
Consigned by the grandson of the original owner and fresh to the market, this watch stands out by its excellent overall condition and the presence of the original certificate, presentation box and spare parts.
It is believed to be to date only known example of a Patek Philippe timepiece featuring the very unusual use of a chain fusée transmission, one of the most effective complications for an increased rate accuracy of a mechanical watch. The three quarter plate construction of the movement with the chain fusée lever escapement and diamond endstone is in the style of English pocket chronometers. Certainly made to special order, the watch impresses with a number of other characteristics, notably the “cabriolet” case and the retailer signature Peña Madrid found on the dial and the movement and the English import marks in the case.
This so-called "Cabriolet" watch is distinguished by its inner case revolving within the outer case conceived for it to be used either "open" and showing the dial or "closed" showing the back of the inner case. The cases are of such outstandingly high quality, allowing the inner case to fit so perfectly into the outer case, that the two sides show virtually no difference, neither visible nor tangible, when used as hunter case. Research has revealed that only nine other "Cabriolet" watches by Patek Philippe have appeared in public to date, the present example being the only one with chain fusée transmission.
The term "Vermicelli" engraving stands for a surface covered completely with small cuts in form of scrolls, curves and others. The decoration on this watch is of outstanding quality and crispness.
Other examples of "Cabriolet" watches are illustrated and described in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches - Volume I, pp. 102 - 105.
It is believed to be to date only known example of a Patek Philippe timepiece featuring the very unusual use of a chain fusée transmission, one of the most effective complications for an increased rate accuracy of a mechanical watch. The three quarter plate construction of the movement with the chain fusée lever escapement and diamond endstone is in the style of English pocket chronometers. Certainly made to special order, the watch impresses with a number of other characteristics, notably the “cabriolet” case and the retailer signature Peña Madrid found on the dial and the movement and the English import marks in the case.
This so-called "Cabriolet" watch is distinguished by its inner case revolving within the outer case conceived for it to be used either "open" and showing the dial or "closed" showing the back of the inner case. The cases are of such outstandingly high quality, allowing the inner case to fit so perfectly into the outer case, that the two sides show virtually no difference, neither visible nor tangible, when used as hunter case. Research has revealed that only nine other "Cabriolet" watches by Patek Philippe have appeared in public to date, the present example being the only one with chain fusée transmission.
The term "Vermicelli" engraving stands for a surface covered completely with small cuts in form of scrolls, curves and others. The decoration on this watch is of outstanding quality and crispness.
Other examples of "Cabriolet" watches are illustrated and described in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches - Volume I, pp. 102 - 105.