Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1948
    Reference No: 605HU
    Movement No: 930'832
    Case No: 654'931
    Model Name: Heures Universelles
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 17-170, 18 jewels
    Dimensions: 44.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1948 and its subsequent sale on December 20, 1949
    Literature: Reference 605HU is prominently illustrated and describe in "Patek Philippe Museum" by Patek Philippe, pp 338-340

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 605 represents the Patek Philippe pocket incarnation of the World Time (Heures Universelles) mechanism invented by Louis Cottier. Between 1930 and 1964, Cottier delivered to Patek Philippe 95 modified 17-170 movements (considered one of the best time only movements of its time), most of them employed in ref. 605, rendering this an astoundingly rare model with a total output below 100 pieces.

    The present example impresses with its incredible condition. Obviously unpolished and hardly ever used, the timepiece appears to be in near mint condition in all of its parts, to the point that it can be considered a “scholarly” piece which allows the beholder to admire the original proportions of the case and details of the dial in absolutely unmarred state.

    A final layer of appeal is given to the watch by its "short signature". Patek Philippe changed their signature from "Patek Philippe & co." to "Patek Philippe" in 1948, the year of production of this timepiece. Then, it is one of the first Patek Philippe watches to feature the short signature.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.

    Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.

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191

Ref. 605HU
A very fine, rare and extremely well preserved worldtime openface watch

1948
44.5mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 80,000 
€35,600-71,300
$40,300-80,600

Sold for CHF72,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019