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Patek Philippe

A fine, rare and large yellow gold tonneau-shaped wristwatch with hinged case

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At the time of inception in approximately 1904, the tonneau-shaped wristwatch was one of the most unusual and striking models to appear on the market. Patek Philippe in particular excelled at producing these early wristwatches. Daring and imaginative, the manufacture's watches featured unusual designs, such as oversized Arabic numerals on the dial. A clear aesthetic break from pocket watches, the tonneau, or "barrel"-shaped wristwatch sat incredibly well on the wrist, as opposed to the flat round surface of a pocket-watch that was converted to a wristwatch.

This particular example, displaying London hallmarks for 1925, really exemplifies the 1920s aesthetic. The dial, featuring oversized Arabic numerals, really stands out and is still incredibly modern-looking today. The number on the movement is engraved on the outside case back, as a testament to the watch's originality. The Patek Philippe and Co signature is furthermore sharp and legible on the case back, attesting to the crisp condition of the case. The dial is remarkably well-preserved for its age, having survived the elements for over 90 years.

The present watch is one of 19 known early tonneau-shaped examples, further enhancing its rarity.

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.

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