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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Patek Philippe 18k Gold Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch by Patek Philippe is reported to date to circa 1905 and is cased in 18k gold measuring 45 mm in diameter. The champagne dial displays Breguet-style numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds chapter ring at 6 o'clock, with the dial signed 'PATEK, PHILIPPE & CIE GENÈVE'. According to the auction house, the watch contains a manual-wind 17-ligne caliber movement signed by retailer T & E. Dickinson & Co., Buffalo, N.Y., as well as Patek Philippe & Cie. The piece is accompanied by an extract from the archives confirming its 1905 production.

Front view of the Patek Philippe 18k gold open-face pocket watch showing the champagne dial and Breguet numerals
Front view of the Patek Philippe 18k gold open-face pocket watch showing the champagne dial and Breguet numerals — Christie's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
56
Source-reported date
circa 1905
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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

Construction and Exterior

This open-face pocket watch is housed in an 18k gold case measuring 45 mm in diameter. The case features a hidden hinge, a top pendant, and has developed a light patina. Notable external wear includes scratches throughout, nicks, and rubbed hallmarks on the stem.

The case back displays a set of initials encircled and indicates evidence of historical polishing. The interior case back and dust cover contain various scratches, with the inside of the case back signed 'PPC'.

Evidence for this section
  • “CASE MATERIAL: 18k gold”
  • “CASE DIAMETER: 45mm”
  • “The case features a hidden hinge.”
  • “The case has scratches throughout and few nicks.”
  • “The hallmarks are rubbed on the stem of the watch.”
  • “The case back has a set of initials encircled.”
  • “The case appears to have been polished.”
  • “The case has developed a light patina.”
  • “The inside of the case back and dust cover both have scratches.”
  • “The inside of the case back is signed "PPC".”

Dial and Hands

The champagne dial is signed 'Patek Philippe & Cie' and features Breguet-style numerals. The hands show small signs of wear and appear to be re-painted. A small scratch is visible on the dial emanating from the center of the subsidiary dial toward 6 o'clock.

The watch is noted as missing the crystal and the subsidiary seconds hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “DIAL: Champagne”
  • “The dial is signed Patek Philippe & Cie .”
  • “The hands show small signs of wear and appear to be re-painted.”
  • “There is a small scratch on the dial emanating from the center of the subsidiary dial and going towards 6 o'clock.”
  • “The subsidiary seconds hand is missing.”
  • “There is no crystal on the watch.”

Mechanism and Provenance

The watch is powered by a 17-ligne manual-wind movement signed by both Patek Philippe & Cie and the retailer T & E. Dickinson & Co. of Buffalo, New York. The movement was reported in working order at the time of cataloging but has not been tested for accuracy; a service is recommended.

The piece is accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming a manufacture date of 1905 and a sale date of July 3, 1905.

Evidence for this section
  • “CALIBER: 17'''”
  • “The movement is signed Patek Philippe & Ce .”
  • “The movement is also signed, "T & E. Dickinson & Co., Buffalo, N.Y."”
  • “The movement is in working order at the time of cataloging, consistent with the age of the watch.”
  • “Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture date of 1905 and sale date of July 3, 1905”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the 'PPC' signature inside the case back regarding manufacturing origin?
  • Are there records for the specific 17-ligne caliber movement used in retailer-signed pieces of this era?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe 18k Gold Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18k gold“CASE MATERIAL: 18k gold”
Case Diameter45mm“CASE DIAMETER: 45mm”
Caliber17'''“CALIBER: 17'''”
Retailer SignatureT & E. Dickinson & Co., Buffalo, N.Y.“The movement is also signed, "T & E. Dickinson & Co., Buffalo, N.Y."”
ProvenanceThe Mel and Noel Blanc Collection“Provenance The Mel and Noel Blanc Collection”

Visible details

  • Champagne dial featuring engine-turned patterning in the center and outer borders.
  • Breguet-style Arabic numerals paired with open-tipped Breguet hour and minute hands.
  • Subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock lacking its seconds hand.
  • Round 18k gold open-face case with top pendant, fluted winding crown, and oval bow.

Research qualifications

  • The auction condition report notes that the crystal is absent from the watch.
  • The subsidiary seconds hand is missing.
  • The hands appear to be re-painted, and a small scratch extends from the subsidiary seconds dial toward 6 o'clock according to the condition report.
  • Movement and interior case components are unexamined visually in the catalog photograph.

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

Consulted source

PATEK PHILIPPE, 18K GOLD POCKET WATCH, | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 2bec83c258

Terms in this record

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

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