While coin watches are not as researched today compared to milestone Patek Philippe timepieces like the brand’s historic line of perpetual calendar chronograph watches, they provide a fascinating insight in to the history of horology. These ultra slim timepieces were constructed from legal tender, requiring two coins to be split to form their outer case, and a watch housed inside with a separate, hinged case. It is believed Cartier began to produce these uniquely styled timepieces in 1929, however there is archival evidence suggesting the earliest known examples date to the late 19th century. Patek Philippe is amongst many brands who created these lovely creations, and it is believed their production ran from the 1920s until the 1980s.

Patek Philippe is known for their rare and unusual timepieces, and the present coin watch is an attractive example of their continued ingenuity. They produced a number of variants using different coins and monetary values over seven decades, with a range of reference numbers. Research indicates only approximately 200 of these fine watches were ever produced, including the reference numbers 800 through 809, with monetary values of $5USD (ref. 800), $10USD (ref 801), $20USD (ref 802 & 803) like the present reference 802, 100CHF (ref. 804), 50 Pesos (ref. 805), along with others. Additionally, the brand created examples with skeletonized movements.

The present example is in excellent overall condition with a nicely aged dial with Breguet numerals. Both a rare collectible and an interesting novelty timepiece, these Patek Philippe coin watches have become highly desirable in the market today. This is a rare opportunity to own one of these fine and hardly seen pieces.