Patek Philippe Silver Deck Chronometer
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1911
Maker / issuer
Patek PhilippeThis Patek Philippe deck chronometer, produced circa 1911, is a precision timekeeping instrument featuring a 61mm bassine-style silver case. The watch is signed "Patek Philippe & Cie" and "Genève" on the silvered dial, which includes black Roman numerals, a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock, and a power reserve indicator calibrated in French ("Haut" and "Bas").
The movement is designated "Extra," a term denoting the manufacturer's higher grade of precision engineering, and includes a lever escapement. According to the auction description, the chronometer was acquired by the US Government in 1915 for use on a US Navy airship. The caseback bears the inscription "U.S. Navy." The piece is associated with the manufacturer's participation in chronometer timing trials held in 1912.
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
- Deck chronometer
- Maker
- Patek Philippe
- Case Size
- 61mm
- Inscriptions
- U.S. Navy
- Movement Grade
- Extra
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Acquisition Date
- 1915
- Case Serial Number
- 273603
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe
- Movement Serial Number
- 170292
Design
- Visible features
- • Case diameter is 61mm • Power reserve indicator on dial labeled HAUT/BAS • Caseback bears U.S. Navy engraving • Movement marked with serial number 170292
- Case and Dial Design
- The chronometer is housed in a 61mm bassine-style silver case. The external caseback is engraved with the mark "U.S. Navy," identifying its service history. The bow and crown are integrated into the top of the case structure. The silvered dial displays black Roman numeral hour markers and a railroad-style minute track. A subsidiary seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position. The upper section of the dial features a power reserve indicator, with the scale marked in French as "Haut" for full and "Bas" for empty.
- Movement and Engineering
- The internal mechanism is an "Extra" grade movement, which the source describes as a higher classification of precision engineering within the manufacturer's range. It is equipped with a lever escapement designed for high-accuracy timekeeping. Visible features of the movement include circular graining and bridge plates secured by screws. The movement is engraved with the maker's name and the serial number 170292, matching the number found on the dial.
- Provenance and Timing Trials
- The manufacturer was active in timing contests during the early 20th century. This instrument is associated with the 1912 Chronometer timing trials, where it is suggested to have achieved second-prize honors. In 1915, the US Government procured this instrument for use on a US Navy airship. Navigation on such vessels required multiple chronometers, and the auction records note the role of these devices in maintaining mechanical accuracy under various environmental conditions.
Identification
- Serial number
- 170292
- 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 states the watch "almost certainly" garnered second-prize honors at 1912 trials, which remains an unverified attribution.
- Research required: The assertion that this specific chronometer was used on a US Navy airship relies on the provided auction description.