The present piece is a superb representative of Patek Philippe’s minute repeating production from circa 1940. Offered by the family of the original French owner - and indeed the watch is stamped with French hallmarks and features a Fab Suisse dial, confirming it was originally imported into that market - the piece presents aesthetics which are very encoded and elegant, yet with a hint of flamboyance.

As often seen in watches from around the 1940s, the dial architecture is extremely rigorous and symmetrical, nearly militaristic: Roman numerals at 3, 6, 12 - and dots for the other hours - applied within the constraints of a well defined track. A no-frills brushed center. An outer minute scale.

The case as well is defined by contrasting polished and brushed surfaces and strong bevels and edges. Even the bow, until a few years earlier usually featuring a simple round design, in this instance becomes closer to the case and more angular, more “mean”.

Yet, the superb two-tone champagne dial harmonizes with the gold case and grants the watch a softness, suaveness and warmth that is hardly ever found on watches with such a stern design. The final result is simply stellar.

Beyond its aesthetic merits, the horological connoisseur will be blown away by the superb movement powering the piece. Finished to the highest standards and offering chiming of remarkable purity and loudness, this watch is testament to how Patek Philipe has been working to achieve chiming perfecting since its early days.