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Patek Philippe
“Torpedo-boat Navigator’s Watch”
A rare and historically interesting U.S. Navy torpedo-boat navigator’s open face silver chronometer pocket watch with Guilluame balance, power reserve and fitted leather strap
完整圖錄內容
• Rare torpedo-boat navigator’s open face chronometer pocket watch with Guillaume balance
• Third prize 1915 Geneva Observatory Chronometer contest
• "Extra"-grade movement
During the early decades of the 20th century, Patek Philippe produced highly specialized precision pocket watches intended for use as deck, chronometer and “torpedo boat” watches. These tool watches were designed for accurate timing and essential in navigation and military operations.
The use of torpedo boat watches in leather wristlets by US Navy pilots in their early exploits has been well documented by the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.
The present watch with movement number 178’465 was manufactured in 1913 placing it within this particularly important period of production of precision timekeepers in the 170’000 serial number range. The watch is encased in sterling silver and houses a highest quality “Extra”-grade movement with Guillaume balance for the best possible timekeeping accuracy. The easy to read dial features the movement number and power reserve, while the case back is engraved “US Navy”.
Patek Philippe’s production of these watches coincided with their increasing participation in international chronometer competitions conducted by the Geneva Observatory. These rigorous trials tested the mechanical precision of the timepiece by subjecting them to prolonged tests in different positions and temperatures. This watch, number 178’465, received third prize in 1915 at the Geneva Observatory Chronometer trial.
“Torpedo Boat” watches are not simply rare Patek Philippe pocket watches, they are specialized tool watches elevated by their “ultimate” timekeeping accuracy requirement, and representative of Patek Philippe’s masterful workmanship of the early 20th century.
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since 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.