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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Lepine pocket watch

Patek Philippe 18k Gold Lepine Pocket Watch Designed by Gilbert Albert, Ref. 783

Partially verified

This 18k gold open-face Lepine pocket watch by Patek Philippe, reference 783, is source-attributed to designer Gilbert Albert and dated to circa 1960. Measuring 39 mm in diameter, the three-part case features a braided rope-twist bezel with a suspension loop at the top and a winding crown positioned at 6 o'clock. The matte silver dial exhibits radiating division lines, gold hour indices, and baton hands. The auction house reports it houses manual caliber 27 AM 400 with 18 jewels and a Gyromax balance wheel, movement number 32270, and case number 2628183, attached to an original matching gold chain with clip.

Dial view of the Patek Philippe Lepine pocket watch showing 6 o'clock crown and attached gold chain with clip
Dial view of the Patek Philippe Lepine pocket watch showing 6 o'clock crown and attached gold chain with clip — Lempertz. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.lempertz.com
Category
Pocket watch · Lepine pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
783
Catalogue / lot identifier
228
Source-reported date
ca. 1960
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
2628183

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Design and Identification

This Patek Philippe Lepine pocket watch, reference 783, is attributed to designer Gilbert Albert. The watch features a three-part case with a polished bezel.

The timepiece has a diameter of 39 mm and includes a winding crown positioned at 6 o'clock. It is accompanied by an original gold watch chain with a clip.

Evidence for this section
  • “An 18k gold Patek Philippe Lepine pocket watch designed by Gilbert Albert.”
  • “Three-part Lepine case with polished bezel”
  • “winding crown at 6 o'clock.”
  • “Original gold watch chain with clip.”
  • “⌀ 39 mm.”

Dial and Visual Observations

The matte silver dial is designed with gold horizontal indices and gold baton hands. The source indicates that the glass has slight scuffing.

The dial, crown, movement, and case cover are reported as signed.

Evidence for this section
  • “matte silver dial with gold horizontal indices, gold baton bands”
  • “Dial, crown, movement and case cover signed.”
  • “Glass with slight scuffing.”

Mechanism and Internal Specifications

The movement is identified as manual caliber 27 AM 400, housed in case number 2628183 with movement number 32270. It is reported to feature 18 jewels, a Gyromax balance wheel, a swan neck regulator, and a nickel-plated verge escapement.

Geneva hallmarks are present on the watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement no. 32270, ref. 783, cal. 27 AM 400, case no. 2628183.”
  • “Nickel-plated verge escapement.”
  • “18 jewels and Gyromax balance wheel. Swan neck regulator.”
  • “Geneva hallmarks.”

Open research questions

  • Verify the technical accuracy of the source's claim that a Patek Philippe caliber 27 AM 400 utilizes a 'nickel-plated verge escapement', as verge escapements are typically found in much older horological mechanisms.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe 18k Gold Lepine Pocket Watch Designed by Gilbert Albert, Ref. 783
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference783“ref. 783”
Movement number32270“Movement no. 32270”
Case number2628183“case no. 2628183”
Calibre27 AM 400“cal. 27 AM 400”
DesignerGilbert Albert“Design by Gilbert Albert.”
Diameter39 mm“⌀ 39 mm.”
Total weight59.04 g“Weight 59.04 g.”
Datingca. 1960“Geneva, Switzerland, ca. 1960.”

Visible details

  • Matte silver dial with radiating division lines running from the center toward the hour markers.
  • Winding crown is situated at the 6 o'clock position at the base of the case.
  • Braided rope-twist pattern borders the circular case and forms the long gold suspension chain.
  • Gold chain terminates in an elongated rectangular money-clip style clasp.

Research qualifications

  • Movement is not visible in the provided auction photograph.
  • Internal serial numbers, calibre stamps, and Geneva hallmarks are not directly verifiable from the dial view.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

An 18k gold Patek Philippe Lepine pocket watch designed by Gilbert Albert. - Lot 228

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 4a5b054e19

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.