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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Split-seconds chronograph pocket watch

Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Split-Seconds Chronograph Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch by Patek Philippe features an 18k yellow gold case measuring 46 mm in diameter. Dated to circa 1925, the timepiece is powered by a manual-wind movement equipped with a split-seconds chronograph mechanism. The silvered dial is configured with applied Arabic numerals, outer track graduations, a 30-minute register at 12 o'clock, and a subsidiary seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. Centrally mounted are Breguet-style hands along with dual blued chronograph hands. The watch is accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming its manufacture in 1925 and subsequent sale on July 11, 1927.

Front view of the Patek Philippe 18k yellow gold split-seconds chronograph pocket watch showing dial layout, hands, and crown
Front view of the Patek Philippe 18k yellow gold split-seconds chronograph pocket watch showing dial layout, hands, and crown — Christie's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Pocket watch · Split-seconds chronograph pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
238
Source-reported date
circa 1925
Country
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

Identity and Archival Documentation

This pocket watch is catalogued as an 18k yellow gold timepiece manufactured by Patek Philippe with a circa date of 1925. It features a manual-winding movement with a split-seconds chronograph complication within a 46 mm round case.

The timepiece is accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming a manufacture date of 1925 and a sale date of July 11, 1927. The lot is catalogued without an original box or original papers.

Evidence for this section
  • “CIRCA: 1925”
  • “CASE MATERIAL: 18K Yellow gold”
  • “CASE DIAMETER: 46mm”
  • “MOVEMENT: Manual”
  • “FUNCTIONS: Split seconds chronograph”
  • “BOX: No PAPERS: No”
  • “ACCESSORIES: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture date of 1925 and sale date of July 11, 1927”

Case Construction and Exterior Markings

Visual observation confirms a circular 18k yellow gold case equipped with an upper winding crown, an oval bow, and chronograph pushers placed around the bezel shoulder. The catalogue records the overall case diameter as 46 mm.

According to the auction condition report, the exterior case back is engraved with shallow initials visible as "F.S.M. Jr". The cuvette is described in the report as open without inscription, with light scratches, and the case exhibits scratches, scuffs, and wear consistent with age.

Evidence for this section
  • “Circular 18k yellow gold case with a top-mounted winding crown, oval bow, and case pushers around the bezel shoulder.”
  • “CASE DIAMETER: 46mm”
  • “The initials on the case back are shallow, however they are still visible as “F.S.M. Jr”.”
  • “The cuvette is in very good condition condition, with some very light scratches, and is open without inscription.”
  • “The case is very good with light scratches and scuffs throughout, commensurate with age. The case also displays wear, commensurate with age.”

Dial Configuration and Condition Notes

The silvered dial displays applied golden-toned Arabic numerals and a vertical two-subdial arrangement, with a 30-minute counter below 12 o'clock and subsidiary continuous seconds above 6 o'clock. Centrally mounted are open-tipped Breguet hour and minute hands along with two blued central chronograph sweep hands, and the dial is signed "PATEK. PHILIPPE & CO" and "GENEVA-SWITZERLAND" across the center.

The condition report notes that the dial has been cleaned in the past, showing spots of discoloration, light settled dust, and light patina forming on the applied numerals.

Evidence for this section
  • “DIAL: Silvered”
  • “Silvered dial with applied golden-toned Arabic numerals and a vertical two-register layout at 12 and 6 o'clock.”
  • “Open-tipped Breguet hour and minute hands paired with blued central chronograph sweep hands.”
  • “Dial signed 'PATEK. PHILIPPE & CO' and 'GENEVA-SWITZERLAND' across the horizontal center line.”
  • “The dial is nice, with light patina forming on the applied numerals. The dial has been cleaned in the past. There are some spots of discoloration and light settled dust.”

Open research questions

  • What specific case and movement serial numbers are stamped on the watch and recorded in the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives?
  • What ebauche caliber is fitted to this split-seconds chronograph mechanism?
  • Does the July 11, 1927 archive entry record the purchaser or client associated with the initials 'F.S.M. Jr'?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Split-Seconds Chronograph Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18K Yellow gold“CASE MATERIAL: 18K Yellow gold”
Case Diameter46mm“CASE DIAMETER: 46mm”
DialSilvered“DIAL: Silvered”
MovementManual“MOVEMENT: Manual”
FunctionsSplit seconds chronograph“FUNCTIONS: Split seconds chronograph”
Sale DateJuly 11, 1927“sale date of July 11, 1927”
Case MonogramF.S.M. Jr“The initials on the case back are shallow, however they are still visible as “F.S.M. Jr”.”
Dial Cleaning HistoryCleaned in the past“The dial has been cleaned in the past.”
Archival Sale DateJuly 11, 1927“confirming manufacture date of 1925 and sale date of July 11, 1927”
Cuvette InscriptionNone (open without inscription)“The cuvette is in very good condition condition, with some very light scratches, and is open without inscription.”

Visible details

  • Circular 18k yellow gold case with a top-mounted winding crown, oval bow, and case pushers around the bezel shoulder.
  • Silvered dial with applied golden-toned Arabic numerals and a vertical two-register layout at 12 and 6 o'clock.
  • Open-tipped Breguet hour and minute hands paired with blued central chronograph sweep hands.
  • Dial signed 'PATEK. PHILIPPE & CO' and 'GENEVA-SWITZERLAND' across the horizontal center line.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and interior case back/cuvette are not shown in the provided photograph.
  • Reported engraving 'F.S.M. Jr' on the case back is not visible from the frontal view.

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

Consulted source

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

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 3628054adb

Terms in this record

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

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