Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
Year: Movement 1911; Cased circa 1960s
Reference No: 850
Movement No: 157’321
Case No: 317’089
Material: 18K yellow gold
Calibre: Manual, cal. 18’’’, 40 jewels
Dimensions: 56mm diameter
Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Accessories: Delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1911 with a modification to the movement in 1963 in perpetual calendar with moon phases and its subsequent date of sale on 12th July 1967.
Provenance: Sotheby's New York Important Watches, Wristwatches and Clocks, 20 & 21 June 1991, lot 610.
Literature: For two similar watches, see Huber and Banbury, Patek Philippe, Vol. 1, p. 228, plate 210 and 212 a,b.
Provenance
Sotheby's New York Important Watches, Wristwatches and Clocks, 20 & 21 June 1991, lot 610.
Catalogue Essay
Originally produced in 1911 as a minute repeater with split-seconds chronograph, the present “Moderne” pocket watch ref. 850 was rediscovered decades later still in Patek Philippe's inventory. Between 1963-1966, it was subsequently enhanced with additional perpetual calendar and moon phase function before being encased in a more modern, saleable case design.

Two similar examples are illustrated in the Huber and Banbury, Patek Philippe, Vol. 1, p. 228. Both pocket watches have movement numbers that dates to 1930 and 1920 respectively, but were later cased in 1967. It is conceivable that both of these watches also began without perpetual calendar and moon phases, and were perhaps discovered in the late 1960’s with the present watch and improved for sale at that time. Of the two examples listed in the book, one of them is fitted with a similar dial configuration as the present timepiece.

The crisp three-part yellow gold case bears the mark of Antoine Gerlach (Genevan Key Number 4), the storied 20th century casemaker behind many of Patek Philippe's mid-century masterpieces such as the Calatrava ref. 96 and “Padellone” ref. 3448. Its stepped profile provides the ideal frame for the enamel dial and open face, allowing the sophisticated mechanics within to take center stage. The beautifully preserved white enamel dial highlights the perpetual calendar with grace and clarity, while the elegant moon phase adds a graceful finishing touch.

Having resided in an important private collection for over 30 years, this remarkable example celebrates the rich heritage and remarkable vision that have defined the maison for generations.
Artist Biography
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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