The technical innovation and design of the pocket watch served as the foundation for today’s high quality wristwatches. While cultural and societal norms have changed, without the complications first created for pocket watches, some of today’s most iconic wristwatches could not have come to fruition. Without these exemplary timepieces we may not have Patek Philippe’s legendary collection of complicated wristwatches like the iconic perpetual calendar wristwatch, their majestic minute repeating wristwatches, or their sublime minute repeating perpetual calendar wristwatches like the incredible reference 3974 from the end of the 20th century, or the modern 5374G still available today.

The present yellow gold minute repeating perpetual calendar split-seconds chronograph pocket watch is an impressive representation of the skill and master craftsmanship associated with Patek Philippe’s mechanical innovation and workmanship. Manufactured in 1915, the dial is elegantly laid out with the moon phase and lunar calendar placed at 12 o’clock, while the date in red combined with the subsidiary seconds is at 6 o’clock. The open face watch is graced with a slide on the left of the case, and when activated allows the watch to chime the hours, quarters and minutes. The chimes are crisp, clear and delightfully pleasing to the ear as one can expect from Patek Philippe. The split-seconds chronograph is operated through the crown and a button in the band, allowing for the simultaneous timing of two events and is a relatively rare complication, with fewer than 200 known pocket watch examples by Patek Philippe.

Preserved in outstanding condition with an absolutely flawless enamel dial, its combination of complications certainly inspired the modern complicated Patek Philippe wristwatches the brand is best known for today. The watch was originally owned by Albert C. Middleton (1870-1939) as seen on the cuvette inscription. Middleton was a successful businessman and co-founder and director of the Victor Talking Machine Company incorporated in 1901. His firm was purchased by RCA (Radio Corporation of America) in 1929. Without a doubt an important gentleman of fine taste, he was also the owner of a Patek Philippe cushion-shaped minute repeating wristwatch, with serial number 198’094.

This exceptional “grande complication” pocket watch has remained in an important private collection since it was last seen at auction nearly 25 years ago. It is a rare gem providing a fascinating window into the outstanding workmanship of a bygone era, and provides unique insight into the brand's origins.