Patek Philippe Center-Seconds Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1928
This 18K gold keyless pocket watch, attributed to Patek, Philippe & Cie. circa 1928, features a 45 mm diameter case with a polished and matted finish on the back and band.
The watch is powered by a 17-jewel caliber 21h movement, measuring 38 mm in diameter. It incorporates a straight-line "moustache" lever escapement and a cut bimetallic compensation balance equipped with a blued steel Breguet balance spring and a spring-loaded micrometric regulator. The two-tone silver dial includes three matted and whitened rings, an applied gold hour chapter with Roman numerals and indexes, and both champlevé minute and seconds tracks surrounding a stoned center.
The watch is signed by the maker on the dial, case, and movement. The auction description notes the rarity of Patek Philippe pocket watches featuring center seconds. The piece is identified by movement number 819503 and case number 417807.
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
- Type
- Keyless center-seconds pocket watch
- Maker
- Patek, Philippe & Cie.
- Case Serial
- 417807
- Jewel Count
- 17
- Case Diameter
- 45 mm
- Case Material
- 18K Gold
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Serial
- 819503
- Movement Caliber
- 21h
- Maker / attribution
- Patek, Philippe & Cie.
Design
- Visible features
- • The dial features the signature 'PATEK, PHILIPPE & CIE GENEVE' below 12 o'clock. • The dial contains an additional signature 'FRECCERO'. • The watch utilizes gold 'feuilles' style hands for the hours and minutes. • The case includes a bow and a crown at the 12 o'clock position for keyless winding.
- Signatures and Status
- The watch is signed by Patek, Philippe & Cie. on the dial, the case, and the movement. Additionally, the dial includes the name 'FRECCERO', an inclusion not elaborated upon in the provided catalog text. The manufacturer's identification is supported by specific serial numbers for both the case and the internal caliber. Patek Philippe pocket watches featuring center-seconds functionality are characterized in the documentation as rare.
- Movement and Escapement
- The timepiece contains a 17-jewel movement, identified as caliber 21h, which measures 38 mm (17''') in diameter. The movement is rhodium-plated and adjusted to 8 positions. It utilizes a straight-line 'moustache' lever escapement to regulate the timekeeping. Precision is maintained via a cut bimetallic compensation balance, paired with a blued steel Breguet balance spring. Fine adjustments to the regulation are facilitated by a spring-loaded micrometric regulator.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The watch is housed in an 18K gold three-piece case. It is described as a 'variée' case, finished with polished surfaces alongside a matted back and band. The crown is positioned at the top of the case, consistent with a keyless winding mechanism. The dial is composed of a two-tone silver surface organized into three matted and whitened rings. It features applied gold hour markers using Roman numerals and index batons. The minute track and the outermost seconds track are executed in champlevé. The center of the dial is finished with a stoned texture, and the time is indicated by gold 'feuilles' hands.
Identification
- Serial number
- Movement No. 819503, Case No. 417807
- 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 auction house reports an overhaul is recommended for the movement.
- Research required: The origin of the name 'FRECCERO' on the dial is not explicitly defined in the source.