Patek Philippe Singing Bird Box with Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1866
Maker / issuer
Patek PhilippeThis singing bird box in sterling silver and enamel integrates a timekeeping component with an automaton mechanism. The exterior features blue and black Keltic-style enamel decoration, with a central enameled scene of Lake Geneva positioned on the top cover.
Measuring approximately 102mm by 65mm by 30mm, the box houses a singing bird automaton created by Bruguier. A key-wind and key-set watch movement is integrated into the front panel of the box, featuring a white porcelain enamel dial with black Roman numerals. The object is signed by Patek Philippe on the reverse side of the front panel and includes a concealed compartment intended for the winding key. According to Patek Philippe records, twelve such singing bird boxes were produced, with this example accompanied by an original Patek Philippe Extract From The Archives confirming its 1866 production date and 1870 sale.
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
- Singing bird automaton clock
- Maker
- Patek Philippe
- Rarity
- One of twelve produced
- Decoration
- Keltic style enamel
- Dimensions
- 102mm x 65mm x 30mm
- Automaton Maker
- Bruguier
- Production Year
- 1866
- Signature Location
- Back of front panel
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe
Design
- Visible features
- • Blue and black Keltic style enamel patterns across the box exterior • White porcelain enamel dial with black Roman numerals on the front panel • Singing bird automaton mechanism beneath a hinged lid • Concealed storage compartment for the winding key
- Provenance and Rarity
- Patek Philippe records indicate that only twelve examples of this singing bird box were produced. Of these, eight are known to exist currently, with four being held in the collection of the Patek Philippe Museum. The box is accompanied by an original Extract From The Archives provided by Patek Philippe, which serves as the primary source for the production and sale history of this specific object.
- Timekeeping Mechanism
- The timepiece is a key-wind, key-set watch movement, which is integrated into the front of the box. It features a white porcelain enamel dial with black Roman numerals. The box is signed by Patek Philippe on the back of the front panel. According to the auction description, the movement is running, although its accuracy and power reserve were not tested. The lot includes an original Patek Philippe Extract From The Archives which confirms the production date as 1866 and the original sale date as 1870.
- Construction and Decoration
- The box is constructed from sterling silver and finished with blue and black enamel in what is described as a Keltic-style design. The top lid serves as a cover for the automaton, featuring an enameled depiction of Lake Geneva at its center. The overall dimensions are approximately 102mm by 65mm by 30mm. The singing bird mechanism, identified as the work of Bruguier, is positioned within the main body of the box. The timekeeping element, a watch movement, is set into the front panel, providing a combined decorative and functional purpose.
Identification
- 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: Full mechanical integrity of the watch movement not guaranteed
- Research required: Completeness of original components unverified by the auction house