Minute repeating wristwatches are the pinnacle of modern collecting, and obtainable by only a few connoisseurs, however the history of repeating timepieces reaches back the 17th century when the English clockmaker Daniel Quare invented the first repeating mechanism. Followed by other famed horologists their evolution continued, and Abraham Louis Breguet creating the first mechanism striking both high and low tones. The repeater has fascinated generations of collectors for their often simple exterior appearance, but highly complicated interior. Patek Philippe has been at the forefront of repeating development and their mechanisms are honed to a high degree assuring a rich clear tone. A marvel to watch when striking, the movement becomes both a work of art and a tool.

The present watch is a fine example of Patek Philippe’s technical skill with the minute repeating mechanism having a clear tone when activated through the slide in the band. Fresh to the market, the watch has a classic aesthetic with clean white enamel dial, Roman hour markers and Arabic five minute numerals. The cuvette is inscribed “H. Pleister 312 Regent Street London” a well-known retailer from the late 19th century, and interestingly also inscribed “Edwin Hubbell”. Functionally, pocket watches are not a modern convenience, but a repeating watch like this example is a joy to handle and listen to and is a watch all collectors can appreciate.