SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE & CO., MOVEMENT NO. 97'196, CASE NO. 204'920, MANUFACTURED IN 1893

The present Patek Philippe ‘double complication’ is one of the masterpieces of watchmaking for which the company has become justly famous, it combines two complications for which Patek Philippe is most admired - minute repeating and perpetual calendar. Patek Philippe’s perpetual calendar mechanism was patented in 1889 under Swiss patent no. 1018 - a perpetual calendar mechanism for pocket watches. The same year, the company took part in the Exposition Universelle in Paris and was awarded a Grand Prix.

Complicated Patek Philippe watches such as this with 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 piece, no. 97’196, is superbly presented in a substantial 18k pink gold hunter case, the white enamel dial is simply stunning, with Roman numerals and symmetrical subsidiary dials for the date in red concentric with the seconds, days of the week in French, months and moon phases with lunar calendar on the border. The Patek Philippe signature is elegantly placed on the lower periphery of the moon phase. The condition of this watch is very fine, the case is crisp and tight and the enamel dial remains untouched and in impeccable condition.

Combining the highest standards of watchmaking from the most respected brand, harmonious aesthetics and classic complications, this splendid watch is a great prize of exceptional quality that would make a superb addition to any serious watch collection.