Patek Philippe's legacy of fine watchmaking stems from innovations first pioneered in pocket watches. Technical achievements like perpetual calendars, minute repeaters, and chronographs were once confined to the pocket watch realm. However, these complications served as the foundation for Patek Philippe's iconic wristwatches we admire today. Pieces like the famed ref. 1518 perpetual calendar chronograph, the ref. 2497 perpetual calendar, the ref. 3974 minute repeater perpetual calendar, and the ref. 5208 minute repeating perpetual calendar chronograph have cemented Patek Philippe's reputation at the pinnacle of watchmaking.

The genesis of these marvels can be traced back to achievements like those seen in this breathtaking pocket watch from 1892. This 19th Century exquisite pink gold minute repeating perpetual calendar chronograph pocket watch exemplifies Patek Philippe's mastery. Its sublime chimes ring clear and true, allowing one to tell the time even in darkness. The elegant enamel dial features a moon phase indicator, month and week indication in French, red date display, and small seconds subdial.

Originally owned by American textile titan M.C.D. Borden. His company, American Printing Company became the largest producer of printed cotton cloth in the United States by early the early 20th Century, earning him the nickname "the Calico King". The present pocket watch is incredibly well-preserved for its age, with crisp engravings and hallmarks. Its array of complications foreshadowed the sophisticated wristwatches that would ultimately make Patek Philippe famous.