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 into 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 which created these lovely creations, and it is believed their production ran from the 1920s until the 1980s.

Patek Philippe produced several 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 803, 100CHF (ref. 804), 50 Pesos (ref. 805), along with others. The most common reference was 802, but very few were made overall.

An interesting and rare novelty timepiece, the present $20USD coin watch is fitted with a lovely tone-on-tone champagne dial with black Breguet painted numerals, and dates to 1957.