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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face keyless watch

Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. Cloisonné Enamel Watch

Partially verified

This open-face keyless pocket watch is a collaboration between Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co., dated by the source to circa 1893. The 31.5mm case is manufactured from 18K yellow gold and features cloisonné enamel decoration on the bezel, case band, and the hinged caseback. The decorative pattern consists of multicolored floral and foliage motifs set against a black ground, requiring the application of multiple layers of enamel and separate firings. The white enamel dial features a central track with Roman numeral hour markers and an outer track with Arabic numerals for subsidiary seconds. It is powered by a Patek Philippe calibre 12 manual-winding movement. The timepiece is provided with its original box.

View of the back of the Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. pocket watch showing the cloisonné enamel decoration.
View of the back of the Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. pocket watch showing the cloisonné enamel decoration. — M.S. Rau. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
rauantiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face keyless watch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1893
Source-reported place
Not established

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 and Enamel Decoration

The watch is housed in an 18K yellow gold hinged case measuring 31.5mm in diameter. The exterior surfaces, including the bezel, case band, and the caseback, are decorated using the cloisonné enameling technique. This process involves the meticulous shaping of thin gold wires to form patterns, which are subsequently filled with enamel to create the depicted floral and foliage designs.

The technique requires the application of multiple layers of enamel, with each layer subjected to individual firing processes at controlled temperatures. The resulting aesthetic features vibrant, colored floral elements set against a dark, black enamel ground, a style that characterizes the entirety of the watch case.

Evidence for this section
  • “The hinged case showcases the demanding craft of cloisonné enameling”
  • “thin 18K gold wires are meticulously shaped and filled with vibrant enamel to create this enchanting floral and foliage design”
  • “bezel, case band and caseback have beautiful cloisonné work”

Dial and Timekeeping

The watch features a white enamel dial with a dual-numeral display. An inner track contains Roman numerals to denote the hours, while an outer track presents Arabic numerals intended for the reading of subsidiary seconds. The dial is signed "Tiffany & Co. New York" and utilizes Louis XV hands to indicate the time.

The internal mechanics consist of a Patek Philippe calibre 12 manual-winding movement. This calibre is described by the source as high-quality and functions as a keyless winding system, allowing the watch to be wound via the crown positioned at the top of the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “The sophisticated white enamel dial combines classical Roman numerals on the inner track with Arabic numerals on the outer track for the subsidiary seconds”
  • “graceful Louis XV hands enhance the design”
  • “powered by a high-quality calibre 12 manual-winding movement”

Provenance and Documentation

The watch is associated with Tiffany & Co., as indicated by the signature on the dial and the case branding. It is documented by M.S. Rau as an item dating to approximately 1893.

The watch is offered with its original box, which serves as the accompanying delivery contents for the timepiece.

Evidence for this section
  • “Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. Cloisonné Enamel Watch”
  • “Circa: 1893”
  • “comes complete in its original box”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement serial number associated with this calibre 12 movement?
  • Does the internal caseback contain Patek Philippe or Tiffany & Co. hallmarks?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. Cloisonné Enamel Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe“powered by a high-quality calibre 12 manual-winding movement crafted by Patek Philippe”
VendorM.S. Rau“Vendor: M.S. Rau”
Datecirca 1893“Circa: 1893”
Case diameter31.5mm“Case: 31.5mm”
Case material18K Yellow Gold and Enamel“Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold and Enamel”
SignatureTiffany & Co.“Signed “Tiffany & Co.””
MovementPatek Philippe Calibre 12“Movement: Patek Philippe Manual-Winding Calibre 12”

Visible details

  • Hinged case with floral cloisonné enamel
  • Louis XV style hands
  • Roman and Arabic numeral dial tracks
  • Keyless winding crown at 12 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • No movement serial number is provided in the source
  • The source does not explicitly specify the country of manufacture

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

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی Patek Philippe و Tiffany & Co. با مینای کلوازونه

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 5bb35ef631

Terms in this record

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