One name that takes all but one spot of the most expensive watches ever sold is the legendary Genevan watchmaker Patek Philippe. A staple of the high end auction houses, these incredible timepieces are revered for their complexity and high-quality craftsmanship. What makes them so special? Four of the most expensive watches ever sold - 1. Patek Philippe, Grandmaster Chime 6300A-010 – $31m - 2. Patek Philippe, Henry Graves Supercomplication – $23.98m - 3. Patek Philippe, Stainless Steel 1518 – $11.14m - 4. Patek Philippe, Prince Mohammed Tewfik A. Toussoun Pink Gold 1518 with French Calendar – $9.57m.
A wonderful opportunity to acquire this rare 161 year old 18 carat Rose gold full hunter ‘Patek Philippe & Co Geneve’ chronograph complication pocket watch. Accompanied with box bearing an Independent retailers signature, leather pouch and official Patek Philippe extract from the archives dating the watch to 1862 with the sale date of 17th November 1863. High grade Patek Phillipe 21 Jewelled complication movement housed in a four piece 52mm (without crown & bow) hinged case featuring a monogrammed hinged back. Top wind crown with time change. Beautiful enamel dial has applied Roman numerals, 1/5th seconds scale chapter ring and blue steel spade hands with a stepped subsidiary seconds dial at ‘6’. The case is signed Patek Philippe & Co Geneva (Personal inscription Monogram), marked 0.750 P.P.Co numbered 41406, the outer cover bears Gothic style four letter initials on the inner. Recently inspected and tested by a master horologist described as “Superb running order”. Keeping accurate time, the chronograph feature resets stops and starts without any issues. With careful use and if treated with care, this watch will make an excellent investment and heirloom piece which is ready to use, treasure and enjoy!
As the world's permier watchmaker, Patek Philippe in certain sets the bar for what constitutes a world-class timepiece. Prized by royalty, heads of state, and prominent public figures, their timepieces rank in the top teir of the most exclusive and expensive in the world. Patek Philippe is one of the oldest continuously operating watchmaker, with production extending all the way back to 1839. It is considered part of the "Holy Trinity" of Swiss watchmaking, with Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin. The brand has always maintained its uncompromising pursuit of perfection on the inside and out of every timepiece to be released over the past 184 years.
Patek Philippe has established itself globally, becoming highly regarded in both watch collecting circles and high society. Acclaimed for their superior skill with design and quality they have created timepieces for such nobles as King Farouk Of Egypt to whom they supplied reference 1518, a pocket watch for Queen Victoria and many watches supplied to Kings, Queens, heads of states and dignitaries Worldwide. The elite Swiss firm Patek Philippe has had as it's motto “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation."
In contrast to modern Patek Philippe watches that can be purchased at various jewellery boutiques around the world, their vintage pieces are fairly scarce. Patek Philippe’s attention to detail and strict quality standards limited their production capacity in the early mid to late 1800’s to very small numbers.
Original Enamel Dial: Unsigned as it was an option for customers back in 1862 by Patek Philippe. White enamel Roman numerals dial, chapter ring with minute markers and five minute indexes 5 - 60. Stepped subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock in excellent working order, steel blue spade hands with a steel chronograph spear seconds hand. Overall the Enamel dial is in very good condition. No cracks or noticeable marks, a couple of ultra fine hairlines which are not visible unless under magnification.
Original Crystal: In good condition.
Original Solid Rose Gold Case: Polished solid rose gold stepped full hunter four piece case measures 52mm without crown. Beautifully crafted case with features such as swan neck, double hinges and milled edge finishes a true marvel to case making. Has surface hairline scratches associated with polished precious metals commensurate with age and wear. Hinges and case are in good condition overall. There are no deep scratches or dents.
Original Case Back Cover Outer: Case back cover featuring personally inscribed monogrammed hinged back with initials. Hinges are in good solid condition. Cover has surface hairline surface scratches associated with precious polished metals commensurate with age and wear. Clicks and pops, fits flush against case. Please observe photographs.
Original Case Back Cover (Outer) Inner: Stamped Swiss essay mark 18K with (Patek Philippe logo), bearing PPCo, (numbered) 403255. Has surface hairline scratches commensurate with age and wear associated with precious metals. In good condition overall.
Original Case Back Cover (Movement) Outer: Signed Patek Philippe & Co Geneve 47406. Double milled edge cover. Has surface hairline scratches commensurate with age and wear. Overall good condition for age. No dents or deep scratches, hinges are in good condition.
Original (Movement) Cover Outer Inner: Inner cover (numbered) 47406. In good condition.
Original Movement: Unsigned high grade 21 jewelled complication chronograph movement numbered 47406 under the dial (not visible unless dial is removed). Fully tested and inspected by a master horologist specialising in Patek Philippe time pieces with no issues to report. Described “In superb order” keeping accurate time, chronograph feature and pusher functioning correctly.
Original Onion Crown And Bow: Winder/crown is in good functioning order and the bow is in solid condition. Crown and bow have noticeably discoloured over time.
Independent Retailers Presentation Box: Signed F. Hellstrom Urmakare Stockholm. Has imperfections, marks, with general wear and tear commensurate with age. Please observe photographs.
* Please observe photographs carefully as they form part of the description*
Please note this Patek Philippe is over 160 years old. Shipping DHL insured registered post World wide. Buyer is responsible for any taxes or duties due which may delay or hold up your shipment at the destination port.