Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Movement 1925, cased circa 1960s
    Reference No: 845
    Movement No: 198’011
    Case No: 314’587
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, 17’’’, 31 jewels
    Dimensions: 50mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe fitted presentation box. Delivered with the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1925 and its subsequent date of sale on 1st December 1970.
    Provenance: Auktionen Dr. H. Crott, 14th May 1994, Frankfurt
    Literature: Another example of the reference 845 with case number 314’588 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Museum Volume I, page 385.

  • Provenance

    Auktionen Dr. H. Crott, 14th May 1994, Frankfurt

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe has long been regarded as a premier watchmaker in the realm of Grand Complications, continually astonishing horology lovers with its incredible inventions and reliable timepieces.

    A splendid evolution of the Maison’s traditional horological lineage, the present “Moderne” reference 845 features an open-faced design with clean, elegant lines and a stepped case, showcasing the sophisticated minute repeater alongside the iconic perpetual calendar. Measuring a substantial 50mm in diameter, the three-part case is fitted with a snapped caseback, crafted by master Geneva casemaker Antoine Gerlach (Genevan Key number 4), who was also responsible for creating other notable Grand Complication pocket watches and wristwatches. Notably the movements within the known examples of the ref. 845 are powered by Victorin Piguet & Cie ébauche from circa 1930s and later cased in 1964 and onwards in yellow or white gold.

    Only three yellow gold examples are known publicly and are furthermore fitted with an English calendar dial.

    Case no. Movement No. Production Remarks
    314'587 198'011 Movement production in 1925 and completed in circa 1960s. (The present example)
    314'588 198'441 Movement production began in 1931 and completed in 1967. Part of the Patek Philippe Museum Collection
    314'589 198'442 Movement production began in 1931 and completed in 1967. Sold at auction in 2006

    With all three examples with consecutive case numbers, it is highly possible that the present example is the first one to be completed and cased judging from the movement and case number. The state of preservation is magnificent, featuring crisp case edges and no signs of major wear. The engraved enamel dial is exquisite, with raised text that is well-preserved and proudly presents the English calendar. The elegant moon phases complete the overall aesthetic with a graceful touch. The hallmarks are equally well-preserved, deep, and legible. Additionally, it comes with the original brown leather presentation case, which is a collectible in its own right. Having resided in an important private collection for over 30 years, this magnificent piece undoubtedly represents a technical work of art from Patek Philippe. Further confirmed with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives, the date of manufacture of the present timepiece is in 1925 and its subsequent date of sale on 1st December 1970.

  • 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.

    View More Works

Property of a Prestigious Family Collection

985

Ref. 845
A very rare and well-preserved yellow gold minute repeating perpetual calendar open-faced keyless pocket watch with “modern” style case, moon phases and dauphine hands

Movement 1925, cased circa 1960s
50mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$720,000 - 1,440,000 
€85,600-171,000
$92,300-185,000

Sold for HK$914,400

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Hong Kong Auction 23 - 24 November 2024