Patek, Philippe & Cie. Hunting Cased Keyless Pocket Chronometer No. 47372
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1872
This Patek, Philippe & Cie. pocket chronometer, bearing serial number 47372, was manufactured in 1872. Produced for A. Barbero & Co. in Rome, the watch was sold to General Zinovief on September 27, 1873.
The object features a four-body, 18K gold "bassine et filets" hunting case measuring 55 mm in diameter, complete with a hinged cuvette. The white enamel dial is marked with Roman numerals and an outer minute track, accompanied by blued steel spade hands. The movement is a 45.4 mm frosted gilt brass caliber utilizing a going barrel and a gold train. It is distinguished by an Earnshaw-type spring detent chronometer escapement, which includes a gold escape wheel and a specialized passing spring, paired with a cut bimetallic compensation balance and a freesprung blued steel spherical balance spring.
This watch is identified as one of only two known Patek Philippe timepieces featuring this specific spherical spring configuration.
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 pocket chronometer
- Maker
- Patek, Philippe & Cie.
- Dial type
- White enamel
- Provenance
- A. Barbero & Co., General Zinovief
- Case material
- 18K gold
- Serial Number
- 47372
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Escapement type
- Earnshaw type spring detent
- Movement diameter
- 45.4 mm
- Date of manufacture
- 1872
- Maker / attribution
- Patek, Philippe & Cie.
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in a four-body, 18K gold hunting case styled as "bassine et filets." The exterior of the case is polished, and it features a hinged gold cuvette protecting the movement. The white enamel dial presents a traditional layout with Roman numerals for the hours and an outer minute ring. The time is indicated by a set of blued steel spade-style hands. The overall condition of these components is listed as grade 3 by the auction house.
- Visible features
- • Frosted gilt brass plate movement • Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement • Spherical blued steel balance spring • Gold escape wheel with passing spring
- Movement and Escapement
- The caliber measures 45.4 mm and is constructed from frosted gilt brass. It operates with a going barrel and a gold wheel train. A defining technical feature is the Earnshaw-type spring detent chronometer escapement, which incorporates a gold escape wheel and a specific passing spring that extends over the locking jewel. Regulation is achieved through a cut bimetallic compensation balance, fitted with gold timing and compensation screws. The balance is controlled by a freesprung blued steel spherical balance spring. The source notes that this configuration is exceptionally rare, with only two such Patek Philippe watches currently known.
- History and Documentation
- Records indicate the watch was produced for A. Barbero & Co. of Rome and was subsequently sold to General Zinovief in September 1873. The timepiece is documented as being accompanied by its original 'Bulletin de Marche de l'Observatoire de Genève' and an official certificate. The watch is referenced in horological literature, specifically within the publication "Patek Philippe wristwatches" by Martin Huber and Alan Banbery (1998 Edition). The auction house notes that the movement utilizes an ebauche that was strictly reserved for the highest grade of watches produced by the firm.
Identification
- Serial number
- 47372
- 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: Condition grading is an internal auction assessment
- Research required: Full operational state requires professional overhaul