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Lot Essay
In the same family for generations and fresh to the market, this large-size Observatory First Prize winning tourbillon is without reservation one of the most fascinating and breathtakingly attractive Patek Philippe time-only high-precision watches known publicly. In superb condition, it can be considered as one of the pinnacles of 20th century precision watchmaking. It offers collectors and connoisseurs a unique opportunity to make an exceptional addition to their collection. Exemplary on every level, this top-flight tourbillon perfectly illustrates Patek Philippe’s mastery of horological excellence and design, showcasing 20th century precision watchmaking at its very best.
It is always an exciting moment when an important yet previously unknown Patek Philippe watch is rediscovered. The present watch is not only extremely beautiful but is also highly unusual among high-precision tourbillons in presenting a very glamorous aesthetic. According to the Extract from the Archives, it was manufactured in 1925, this date is very likely to refer to the construction of the movement which was then subsequently entered for trial in 1932 at the Geneva Observatory where it gained a First Prize with an impressive 818 points out of 1000. The magnificent case with big crown, Extract confirmed two-tone rose dial and gold feuille hands were most likely created on special order. Further attesting to the sheer quality of the watch, it is interesting to note that the case was made by Vichet SA, regarded as the very best casemakers of the time. Indeed, Vichet was responsible for making the cases for several of Patek Philippe’s most revered wristwatches including references 1518, 1526, early 2497s and 2499s and also the cases for some of the great minute repeater wristwatch references of the 1950s. The movements of very few Patek Philippe watches are designated 'Extra', the present watch is one of those rarefied pieces. In addition, the movement is stamped twice with the Poinçon de Genève, only superb watches of the highest chronometer standard were marked in this way. The movement was made specifically with the aim of achieving the highest precision possible, hence the use of a Guillaume balance with gold and platinum timing and temperature adjustment screws.
Precision timekeeping has always been vital to the scientific community, and in 1873, the first annual chronometer competition was held at the Geneva Astronomical Observatory. Rigorous quantitative internationally recognized testing standards were established. The testing, which initially lasted for 40 days, consisted of placing the watches in various positions and temperature conditions. The prestigious watchmakers Patek Philippe were awarded First Prize in the competition as early as 1884. Success in Observatory trials was considered of great importance because it conferred reputation and prestige on the brand and therefore greater commercial success.
The Dial
Distinguished by its ravishing two-tone rose colour and great elegance of design. With satiné finish, it disperses a wonderful shine and impresses with the beautifully raised hard enamel signature and the crisp outer ‘railway’ minute track. The dial, its surface, the inscriptions, the large gold ‘feuille' hands and the yellow gold Roman numeral and baton hour markers are all good and original as are the unusual raised dot five-second markers of the large subsidiary seconds.
The Case
The bold, elegant and minimalist gold case with large crown was made by Emile Vichet, one of Patek Philippe's best case makers of the period, his mark of the number 9 in a key is stamped inside the caseback. It has never been subject to careless polishing and has preserved its full proportions to the best extent, the sharp outlines accentuate impressively the excellent overall condition of this watch.
The Movement
Movement no. 198’016 was made by Patek Philippe in 1925, probably using a Charles Piguet ébauche. It has a steel tourbillon cage likely made by Hector Golay, fitted with a Guillaume balance to reduce timekeeping errors caused by temperature fluctuation (middle temperature error). When intended for participation in Observatory timekeeping contests, Patek Philippe movements were, like the present watch, engraved with the movement number twice. The inscription "Extra" on the bridge of the movement refers to the very high finishing of all the parts of the movement.
It is always an exciting moment when an important yet previously unknown Patek Philippe watch is rediscovered. The present watch is not only extremely beautiful but is also highly unusual among high-precision tourbillons in presenting a very glamorous aesthetic. According to the Extract from the Archives, it was manufactured in 1925, this date is very likely to refer to the construction of the movement which was then subsequently entered for trial in 1932 at the Geneva Observatory where it gained a First Prize with an impressive 818 points out of 1000. The magnificent case with big crown, Extract confirmed two-tone rose dial and gold feuille hands were most likely created on special order. Further attesting to the sheer quality of the watch, it is interesting to note that the case was made by Vichet SA, regarded as the very best casemakers of the time. Indeed, Vichet was responsible for making the cases for several of Patek Philippe’s most revered wristwatches including references 1518, 1526, early 2497s and 2499s and also the cases for some of the great minute repeater wristwatch references of the 1950s. The movements of very few Patek Philippe watches are designated 'Extra', the present watch is one of those rarefied pieces. In addition, the movement is stamped twice with the Poinçon de Genève, only superb watches of the highest chronometer standard were marked in this way. The movement was made specifically with the aim of achieving the highest precision possible, hence the use of a Guillaume balance with gold and platinum timing and temperature adjustment screws.
Precision timekeeping has always been vital to the scientific community, and in 1873, the first annual chronometer competition was held at the Geneva Astronomical Observatory. Rigorous quantitative internationally recognized testing standards were established. The testing, which initially lasted for 40 days, consisted of placing the watches in various positions and temperature conditions. The prestigious watchmakers Patek Philippe were awarded First Prize in the competition as early as 1884. Success in Observatory trials was considered of great importance because it conferred reputation and prestige on the brand and therefore greater commercial success.
The Dial
Distinguished by its ravishing two-tone rose colour and great elegance of design. With satiné finish, it disperses a wonderful shine and impresses with the beautifully raised hard enamel signature and the crisp outer ‘railway’ minute track. The dial, its surface, the inscriptions, the large gold ‘feuille' hands and the yellow gold Roman numeral and baton hour markers are all good and original as are the unusual raised dot five-second markers of the large subsidiary seconds.
The Case
The bold, elegant and minimalist gold case with large crown was made by Emile Vichet, one of Patek Philippe's best case makers of the period, his mark of the number 9 in a key is stamped inside the caseback. It has never been subject to careless polishing and has preserved its full proportions to the best extent, the sharp outlines accentuate impressively the excellent overall condition of this watch.
The Movement
Movement no. 198’016 was made by Patek Philippe in 1925, probably using a Charles Piguet ébauche. It has a steel tourbillon cage likely made by Hector Golay, fitted with a Guillaume balance to reduce timekeeping errors caused by temperature fluctuation (middle temperature error). When intended for participation in Observatory timekeeping contests, Patek Philippe movements were, like the present watch, engraved with the movement number twice. The inscription "Extra" on the bridge of the movement refers to the very high finishing of all the parts of the movement.