Priority Bidding is here! Secure a lower Buyer’s Premium today (excludes Online Auctions and Watches). Learn More
US import tariffs: Non-US origin lots in this sale (including watches and timepieces with Swiss-made or non-US made movements) will be subject to special tariffs upon import to the USA, currently ranging from 10% to 39% on the total invoice price (hammer price plus buyer’s premium). Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable tariffs, duties, taxes and charges when importing their purchased lots. Due to the evolving nature of international trade regulations, we recommend clients consult with their local customs office or advisor for up-to-date information on the applicable tariffs.

19

Patek Philippe

"Deck Chronometer"

An extremely large and historically relevant brass openface deck chronometer with manual hack feature, with Guillaume Balance, recipient of honorable mentions at the Geneva Observatory chronometer contests in 1923 and 1924, and winner of the Third Prize in 1926, made for Hardys & Hayes Co.

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 20,000
€10,800 - 21,600
$12,600 - 25,100
CHF34,290
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Patek Philippe
Year
1919
Movement No
191'440
Case No
610'483
Model Name
"Deck Chronometer"
Material
Brass
Calibre
Manual, cal. 20''' with Guillaume balance, stamped twice with the Geneva Seal
Dimensions
90mm Diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and case signed by maker; case further signed by retailer
Accessories
Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1919, its subsequent sale on January 10, 1947 and its competition history, copy of the competition documentation (1996 Extract from the Observatory Archives, 1924 tables of results, 1924 Bulletin de Depot) and by its original fitted wooden protective case.
Catalogue Essay
Extremely rare, the present watch is one among less than two dozen known deck clocks with observatory movements. These timepieces were most notably made for retailers as display pieces - each with chronometer quality movements. Phillips sold a few of these creations, such as no. 170’205 featuring the same size as the present watch but made for Genova, Italy retailer Oscar Linke.

In a striking design, the boxes displayed the retailer each clock was displayed for - in this instance, it is Hardy & Hayes, active at the time in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Inside the mastodontic case lies one of the most accurate chronometer movement made by the brand, regulated by an exquisitely crafted Guillaume balance. It received honorable mentions in the Geneva Observatory chronometer contests of 1923 and 1924, and it won third prize in 1926.

A true testament to horological prowess from a time long gone, and an unmissable opportunity for any enthusiast of the finest mechanisms in horology.

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.
Browse Maker