Adam Mickiewicz Patek et Ce keyless pendant watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1847
This keyless pendant watch, bearing serial number 2584, was manufactured by Patek et Ce in 1847 for the Polish market. The watch is distinguished by its 'Empire' style, four-body gold case, which features an engraved portrait on the back set against an engine-turned background.
This portrait is identified as the Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz. The case includes a reeded band and a gold hinged cuvette. The timepiece measures 35 mm in diameter. Internally, it houses a 31 mm frosted gilt movement featuring 10 jewels, a cylinder escapement, and a three-arm gilt balance with a flat balance spring. Notably, the movement incorporates Adrien Philippe's patented keyless winding system, designated as system number 3.
The watch is signed on the dial, the cuvette, and the movement, and it bears the company's trademark punched on the pillar plate under the dial. The piece is accompanied by an extract from the archives.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- 1847
- Type
- Keyless pendant watch
- Maker
- Patek et Ce
- Jewels
- 10 jewels
- Case Type
- Four-body, Empire
- Serial Number
- 2584
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Winding System
- Adrien Philippe's patented keyless winding system
- Movement Diameter
- 31 mm
- Maker / attribution
- Patek et Ce
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in a four-body case described as 'Empire' in style. The back of the case is decorated with a detailed engraving of a man's portrait, which is set against an engine-turned ground. This central portrait is framed by a decorative border consisting of foliate and vermicelli motifs. The perimeter of the case features a reeded band, and a gold hinged cuvette is present. The dial is constructed from white enamel and utilizes Roman numerals to indicate the hours. The perimeter of the dial features outer minute divisions. The time is displayed via fine blued steel Breguet-style hands, which provide a contrast against the white enamel surface. The signature of the maker is present on the dial.
- Visible features
- • Case features engine-turned background and foliate/vermicelli border • Case back depicts a portrait of a man • Movement equipped with Adrien Philippe's patented keyless winding mechanism • Dial displays Roman numerals and outer minute divisions
- Movement and Mechanism
- The watch is powered by a 31 mm movement (13 3/4 lines, model 15). It is finished in frosted gilt and contains 10 jewels. The timekeeping is regulated by a cylinder escapement and a three-arm gilt balance wheel equipped with a flat balance spring. A significant technical feature of this movement is the incorporation of Adrien Philippe's patented keyless winding system, specifically designated as number 3. This mechanism allows the watch to be wound without the use of a separate winding key. The movement is signed, and the company trademark is punched onto the pillar plate located beneath the dial.
- Condition and Authenticity
- The auction description provides a grading system for the watch. The overall grade for the object is listed as 'A Good'. Specifically, the case and the movement are both assigned a grade of '3 Good'. The watch is sold with an accompanying extract from the company archives, which authenticates the manufacture date of 1847 and its intended destination for the Polish market. The source notes that the portrait engraved on the case represents the poet Adam Mickiewicz.
Identification
- Serial number
- 2584
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The exact identification of the engraved portrait as Adam Mickiewicz is stated by the auction house but relies on historical interpretation.
- Research required: The movement requires an overhaul as per the reported condition grades.