Pocket watch · Five-minute repeating openface pocket watch

Patek Philippe 5-Minute Repeating Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This openface pocket watch attributed to Patek Philippe is dated to circa 1882 according to the auction catalog. The 46 mm case is constructed in 18k gold and houses a manual-wind 17-ligne caliber featuring a five-minute repeating complication. The white enamel dial features black Roman numeral hour markers, an outer minute track, spade hands, and a sunken subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. The dial is signed 'PATEK PHILIPPE & CIE GENEVA'. Christie's notes an accompanying Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture in 1882 and sale on July 24, 1883.

Front view of the Patek Philippe 18k gold 5-minute repeating pocket watch with white enamel dial — Christie's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: onlineonly.christies.com
Category: Pocket watch · Five-minute repeating openface pocket watch
Maker / attribution: Patek Philippe
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 72
Source-reported date: circa 1882
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

Case Construction and Exterior Controls

The pocket watch is configured in an openface case measuring 46 mm in diameter and catalogued as 18k gold. Direct observation reveals a fluted winding crown and top bow positioned at 12 o'clock, with a repeater slide located along the case band.

According to the auction condition report, the case has scratches and the case back has a ding. The movement and inner case back are not visible in the provided photograph, so interior case markings, serials, and cuvette inscriptions are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section

“CASE MATERIAL: 18k gold”
“CASE DIAMETER: 46mm”
“Openface yellow-colored metal case with top bow and fluted crown at 12 o'clock, with a repeater slide along the case band.”
“The case back has a ding.”

Dial and Indication Layout

The watch is catalogued with an enamel dial, observed as white enamel and signed 'PATEK PHILIPPE & CIE GENEVA' below 12 o'clock. The hours are indicated by black Roman numerals, accompanied by an outer minute track and spade hands.

A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned at 6 o'clock and marked in ten-second Arabic intervals. Christie's condition report notes that the dial and hands appear original with patina, and specifically documents 'small hairline cracks at 1 and 2 o'clock'.

Evidence for this section

“DIAL: Enamel”
“White enamel dial signed 'PATEK PHILIPPE & CIE GENEVA' below 12 o'clock.”
“Black Roman numerals indicate the hours, paired with a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock marked in ten-second Arabic intervals.”
“The dial has small hairline cracks at 1 and 2 o'clock.”

Movement, Complication, and Archival Documentation

The lot listing records a manual-wind 17''' caliber featuring a 5 minute repeater function. Christie's condition report noted that the movement was in working order at the time of cataloging without accuracy testing, while observing that 'the sound of the repeater is weak.'

Archival documentation is listed as an Extract from the Archives confirming a manufacture date of 1882 and a sale date of July 24, 1883. Because the movement is not shown in the lot image, internal jewel counts, bridge layout, and movement numbers are not documented.

Evidence for this section

“MOVEMENT: Manual”
“CALIBER: 17'''”
“FUNCTIONS: 5 minute repeater”
“The sound of the repeater is weak.”
“ACCESSORIES: Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture date of 1882 and sale date of July 24, 1883”

Open research questions

What movement and case serial numbers are recorded on the watch and on the accompanying Extract from the Archives?
What is the mechanical cause for the reported weak acoustic output of the repeater chime?
What bridge architecture, escapement type, and jewel count are present on the 17''' caliber?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe 5-Minute Repeating Pocket Watch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Circa	1882	“CIRCA: 1882”
Case Material	18k gold	“CASE MATERIAL: 18k gold”
Case Diameter	46mm	“CASE DIAMETER: 46mm”
Dial Material	Enamel	“DIAL: Enamel”
Movement	Manual	“MOVEMENT: Manual”
Functions	5 minute repeater	“FUNCTIONS: 5 minute repeater”
Caliber	17'''	“CALIBER: 17'''”
Extract Details	Manufacture date of 1882 and sale date of July 24, 1883	“confirming manufacture date of 1882 and sale date of July 24, 1883”
Accompanying Documentation	Extract from the Archives	“ACCESSORIES: Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture date of 1882 and sale date of July 24, 1883”
Repeater Sound Condition	Weak	“The sound of the repeater is weak.”
Dial Imperfections	Small hairline cracks at 1 and 2 o'clock	“The dial has small hairline cracks at 1 and 2 o'clock.”

Visible details

White enamel dial signed 'PATEK PHILIPPE & CIE GENEVA' below 12 o'clock.
Black Roman numerals indicate the hours, paired with a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock marked in ten-second Arabic intervals.
Openface yellow-colored metal case with top bow and fluted crown at 12 o'clock, with a repeater slide along the case band.

Research qualifications

Movement and inner case back are not visible in the supplied photograph.
Christie's condition report notes scratches on the case, a ding on the case back, small hairline cracks on the dial at 1 and 2 o'clock, and a weak repeater chime.

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

Consulted source

PATEK PHILIPPE, 5 MINUTE REPEATING POCKET WATCH, | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 38455a87dc

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