The present Patek Philippe perpetual calendar minute repeating pocket watch is part of a rare series of timepieces in which the movement was manufactured during the early 20th century and encased 31 years later. As confirmed on the extract, the movement was made in 1924, but it was not encased until 1956 A similar example, reference 699-2, movement number 198’375 sold at Phillips Geneva in November 2016, with the movement produced in 1930, and the watch encased in 1955.

It is interesting to note the watch has a clean modern appeal. The dial is simple and easy to read with the digital display, and the calendar in American format with the date following the month. The watch has a 1950’s aesthetic suggesting the exuberance of the post war era.

The watch was serviced by Patek Philippe Geneva in 2012. In lovely condition, the watch has brushed flanks, which remain crisp and clean. The typical left-hand placement of the slide mechanism found on most complicated watches is reversed with the reference 699, and the slide is placed on the right side of the case. Patek Philippe is known for their exquisite repeating mechanisms, and the present watch is sure to excite collectors with its strong resonance and clear tonal quality. Today’s collectors are focused on the best of the best, and this reference 699 is a superb collector's timepiece. Not only is it extremely rare, it is in wonderful original condition, furthermore it is a timepiece that exemplifies the superior quality of a Patek Philippe complicated pocket watch.