Patek Philippe Minute-Repeating Split-Seconds Chronograph
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1915
This 18K yellow gold, keyless, minute-repeating pocket watch by Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, features a split-seconds chronograph and a 30-minute register. The watch, numbered 157153, is housed in a four-body 'demi-bassine' case numbered 270682.
The white enamel dial displays painted Arabic numerals, outer minute and chronograph divisions, and recessed subsidiary dials. It is fitted with gold 'Louis XVI' hands. The movement, Caliber 17''', is constructed from maillechort with 'fausses-côtes' decoration and 39 jewels. The complication includes a straight-line counterpoised lever escapement, a cut bimetallic compensation balance, and a blued steel Breguet balance spring with a 'swan-neck' micrometer regulator.
The minute-repeating function is operated by a slide on the band. The interior of the hinged gold cuvette features an engraved presentation inscription to Barney Oldfield from David G. Joyce, dated May 30th, 1916. The watch was made for Spaulding & Co., Chicago.
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
- circa 1915
- Type
- Minute repeating pocket watch
- Maker
- Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève
- Jewels
- 39
- Retailer
- Spaulding & Co., Chicago
- Case Serial
- 270682
- Case Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Serial
- 157153
- Movement Caliber
- 17'''
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe & Cie
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is constructed with a four-body 'demi-bassine' case made of 18K yellow gold. The back of the case is polished and features a monogram. Inside, the watch includes a hinged gold cuvette that bears a specific engraving: 'Barney Oldfield by David G. Joyce – May 30th 1916'. The dial is finished in white enamel and features painted Arabic numerals. Chronograph functionality is indicated by the outer minute and outermost chronograph divisions. Time and timing intervals are tracked via gold 'Louis XVI' hands, with two sunken subsidiary dials located at the six and twelve o'clock positions for the seconds and the 30-minute register respectively.
- Visible features
- • Hinged gold cuvette engraved with presentation inscription • Visible chronograph mechanism with column wheel • Four-body 'demi-bassine' case profile • Gold Louis XVI hands against white enamel dial
- Provenance and Signature
- The watch was commissioned for the retailer Spaulding & Co. in Chicago. It was presented to the race car driver Barney Oldfield on May 30, 1916, by David G. Joyce. The documentation notes that the watch corresponds to Patek Philippe movement number 157153 and case number 270682. The dial, case, and movement are all signed by Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève. The auction report identifies the piece as dating from circa 1915, with the presentation occurring the following year. The mechanical state is noted as requiring an overhaul.
- Movement and Complications
- The timepiece is powered by the Caliber 17''' movement, which is composed of maillechort and finished with 'fausses-côtes' decoration. It is equipped with 39 jewels. The escapement is a straight-line counterpoised lever type, complemented by a cut bimetallic compensation balance and a blued steel Breguet balance spring. Precision adjustments can be made via a 'swan-neck' micrometer regulator. The watch functions as a minute-repeater, which is activated by a slide mechanism located on the side band of the case. Additionally, the watch includes a split-seconds chronograph with a register. The chronograph works are visible in the movement layout, allowing for the timing of separate events.
Identification
- Serial number
- 270682
- 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 source reports the dial has scratches
- Research required: The auction house recommends a mechanical overhaul at the buyer's expense