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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Keyless center-seconds pocket watch

Patek Philippe Center-Seconds Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 18K gold keyless pocket watch, attributed to Patek, Philippe & Cie. circa 1928, features a 45 mm diameter case with a polished and matted finish on the back and band. The watch is powered by a 17-jewel caliber 21h movement, measuring 38 mm in diameter. It incorporates a straight-line "moustache" lever escapement and a cut bimetallic compensation balance equipped with a blued steel Breguet balance spring and a spring-loaded micrometric regulator. The two-tone silver dial includes three matted and whitened rings, an applied gold hour chapter with Roman numerals and indexes, and both champlevé minute and seconds tracks surrounding a stoned center. The watch is signed by the maker on the dial, case, and movement. The auction description notes the rarity of Patek Philippe pocket watches featuring center seconds. The piece is identified by movement number 819503 and case number 417807.

Front view of the 18K gold Patek Philippe center-seconds pocket watch, showing the silver two-tone dial with Roman numerals and the 'FRECCERO' signature.
Front view of the 18K gold Patek Philippe center-seconds pocket watch, showing the silver two-tone dial with Roman numerals and the 'FRECCERO' signature. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Keyless center-seconds pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Patek, Philippe & Cie.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
357
Source-reported date
circa 1928
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
Movement No. 819503, Case No. 417807

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 Dial Construction

The watch is housed in an 18K gold three-piece case. It is described as a 'variée' case, finished with polished surfaces alongside a matted back and band. The crown is positioned at the top of the case, consistent with a keyless winding mechanism.

The dial is composed of a two-tone silver surface organized into three matted and whitened rings. It features applied gold hour markers using Roman numerals and index batons. The minute track and the outermost seconds track are executed in champlevé. The center of the dial is finished with a stoned texture, and the time is indicated by gold 'feuilles' hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-piece, "variée", polished, with matted back and band.”
  • “Two-tone silver, three matted and whitened rings with, respectively, applied gold hour chapter with radial Roman numerals and indexes, champlevé minute track, outermost champlevé seconds track, stoned center.”

Movement and Escapement

The timepiece contains a 17-jewel movement, identified as caliber 21h, which measures 38 mm (17''') in diameter. The movement is rhodium-plated and adjusted to 8 positions. It utilizes a straight-line 'moustache' lever escapement to regulate the timekeeping.

Precision is maintained via a cut bimetallic compensation balance, paired with a blued steel Breguet balance spring. Fine adjustments to the regulation are facilitated by a spring-loaded micrometric regulator.

Evidence for this section
  • “38 mm. (17'''), cal. 21h, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, 8 positions, straight line "moustache" lever escapement”
  • “cut bimetallic compensation balance with blued steel Breguet balance spring, spring-loademicrometric regulator.”

Signatures and Status

The watch is signed by Patek, Philippe & Cie. on the dial, the case, and the movement. Additionally, the dial includes the name 'FRECCERO', an inclusion not elaborated upon in the provided catalog text. The manufacturer's identification is supported by specific serial numbers for both the case and the internal caliber.

Patek Philippe pocket watches featuring center-seconds functionality are characterized in the documentation as rare.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signed on dial, case and movement.”
  • “Patek Philippe pocket watches with center seconds are rare.”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical significance or identity of the 'FRECCERO' signature on the dial?
  • Are there additional details regarding the specific provenance of this lot, such as original point of sale?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Center-Seconds Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek, Philippe & Cie.“Patek, Philippe & Cie., Genève”
Movement Serial819503“No. 819503”
Case Serial417807“case No. 417807”
Case Material18K Gold“18K gold”
Movement Caliber21h“cal. 21h”
Jewel Count17“17 jewels”
Case Diameter45 mm“Diam. 45 mm”

Visible details

  • The dial features the signature 'PATEK, PHILIPPE & CIE GENEVE' below 12 o'clock.
  • The dial contains an additional signature 'FRECCERO'.
  • The watch utilizes gold 'feuilles' style hands for the hours and minutes.
  • The case includes a bow and a crown at the 12 o'clock position for keyless winding.

Research qualifications

  • The auction house reports an overhaul is recommended for the movement.
  • The origin of the name 'FRECCERO' on the dial is not explicitly defined in the source.

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

Consulted source

Patek, Philippe & Cie., Genève, No. 819503, case No. 417807, circa 1928.Very fine 18K gold keyless center-seconds watch with special dial.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 1682d6ac56

Terms in this record

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