Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1990 Reference No: 866/127 Movement No: 933'360 Case No: 434'007 Model Name: Fougeres Material: 18k yellow gold and blue enamel decoration Calibre: Manual, 17''' Dimensions: 48mm. Diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories:Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1990 and its subsequent sale on July 13th, 1990
Catalogue Essay
Reference 866 has been used by Patek Philippe for their most beautiful case decorations, notably enamel miniatures but also different techniques of chiselling, engine-turning and engraving. Most examples of reference 866 were given an additional code, the present watch for example is /127. Most of these watches are unique.
The present example, the only known reference 866/127, is decorated with rich royal blue enamel and hand engraved patterns. According to the Patek Philippe books, the theme is called “Fougères” (ferns). Only a very small number of craftsmen and enamellers are today capable of producing such extraordinary case decorations as found on the present watch.
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.