Patek Philippe
Simply the finest watch money can buy.
Even today, Patek Philippe’s extraordinary care and commitment to perfection mean it takes almost a year to manufacture even its simplest watch movement.
Some significant moments in watchmaking since 1839 …
– 1839 Antoine Patek began producing about 200 high quality pocket watches per year
– 1845 Patek & Co. Partnership founded in Geneva with Jean Adrien Philippe, Technical Director
– 1846 Tiffany & Co. New York, Tiffany appoints Patek Philippe as its principal supplier of pocket watches
– 1857 Universal Exposition, London, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert buy a timepiece, shooting Patek to international fame
– 1867 the company produces the world’s first wristwatch
– 1927 the company produces the world’s first perpetual calendar wristwatch
– 1941 the company produces the world’s first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch
– 1962 the company produces the world’s first automatic, perpetual calendar wristwatch
It is said that fewer than 1 million Patek Philippe watches have been made since its first watch was completed in 1839. This is fewer than some high-end Swiss manufacturers (notably Rolex) produce in one year. In fact, the company limits itself to producing less than 50,000 watches per year, even though it is estimated by watch market analysts, the company could sell ten times this figure. Patek production is so precise, detailed and intricate, it takes almost a year to complete its most basic watch and more than two years to produce many of the more complicated timepieces.
Patek’s vintage complications hold more world record prices at auction than any other brand. Landmark models include the Patek model ref. 1518 – the world’s first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph – and its successor, the Patek ref. 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the refs. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450.
We associate Patek Philippe with the very best, but also understated elegance, craftsmanship, heritage, exquisite design, perfection and precision, and of course, total confidence and commitment in everything it does.
Description
Here is a wonderful example of an early ladies Patek Philippe 18ct white gold & diamond cocktail watch from c1937. This dial, case and high grade 20 jewel handwound movement all remain in superb condition, this watch also carries a largely adjustable, original bracelet. It is perfect for the season of cocktails, dinner parties and special occasions.
The Dial
The completely original, unrestored and untouched off-white dial carries ‘1 – 12’ numerals dial which are swept by the original blued steel ‘cathedral’ hands, all of which are framed by a minute railtrack. The dial design and case complement each other beautifully and also make the time easy to read for such a small watch.
The dial is simply signed with ‘Patek Philippe’ along with ‘Geneve at the very top of the dial below 12.
As the dial is original and unrestored, this has been left untouched by our restoration team due to its unique condition showing some wonderful signs of ageing in the staining and pitting. Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we sell, however we decided in this case to leave it alone. It also helps to contrast with almost all of the other watch dials you see on our website, which have been restored. The hands, likewise, have also been left in their original condition.
Please note, studio lights, professional-grade digital cameras, and macro lenses can be very unkind to an unrestored vintage watch dial. Also the dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the image you’re seeing may be between 5 – 25 times larger than the watch itself. Therefore please keep in mind you are seeing many tiny flaws which cannot be seen, or will be very hard to see with the naked eye, even under close examination. Suffice to say, on the wrist, in natural light, this dial looks much better and carries a great deal more charm than the photographs portray.
Movement
The super high-grade Patek Philippe, 20 Jewel hand-wound movement is in incredibly clean and sparkling condition and has just been fully overhauled and serviced by our expert vintage Patek Philippe specialist watchmaker.
This means dismantling the movement to each of its component parts, careful inspection under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine parts, then careful reassembly and adjustment, before final calibration in 5 positions. The movement winds, sets and runs accurately and reliably and at final testing and calibration, it was running within +14 seconds per day, averaged over 5 positions. This is truly outstanding for any watch of this age. We are therefore highly confident in offering our 12-month warranty* with this watch.
The movement is correctly signed ‘Patek Philippe & Co’, ‘Geneve’ and ‘Twenty 20 Jewels’.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Case
The stunning 18ct white gold case measures 14mm x 26mm, excluding th correct beautifully engraved crown. This watch also carries beautiful hand-engraved sides along with a diamond factory set bezel, all of which remain in tip-top condition. As one would expect, this is a high quality case, which from all appearances seems to have been very well cared for since there are no signs of wear, over-polishing, dings, scratches or other damage, visible to the naked eye.
The exterior of the case back is correctly signed with ‘Patek Philippe Geneve’ along with the case serial number 808175.
As always, our standard advice applies: vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Bracelet
The watch is fitted with its original largely expandable bracelet which is white gold plated. This bracelet can be adjusted to fit a wrist from 15.2cm to 24.1cm.
Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to c1937.
Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.
This watch comes complete with the original jeweller’s presentation box.
Payment and Delivery
If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.
Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control.
We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.
For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there.
As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.
In Conclusion
Here we have a truly beautiful and highly sought after vintage Patek Philippe white gold dress watch from horology’s most revered name which is truly a thing of beauty – to wear, use, treasure and enjoy. It will also make an excellent investment as well as a family heirloom piece. Even though Patek prices continue to rise, we still feel outstanding examples such as this remain grossly undervalued particularly compared to the price of a new Patek Philippe. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage Patek Philippe watches expands, availability will become ever more limited, meaning prices are destined to climb ever higher!
A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post-sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We, therefore, consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.
We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
