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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Half open-face pocket watch

Patek Philippe & Cie. Half Open-Face Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Patek Philippe & Cie. half open-face pocket watch, bearing movement and case serial number 52983, was manufactured in 1876 and sold in July 1879. The watch features a sterling silver case constructed with five bodies, a bassine profile, and a polished bezel, band, and back. It includes an engraved silver cuvette that bears the maker's signature and the serial number. The dial is made of white enamel and displays radial Roman numerals with an outer minute track, accompanied by blued steel spade hands. The movement is a frosted gilt, bar caliber construction featuring 10 jewels, a cylinder escapement, wolf's tooth winding, and a plain three-arm gold balance with a blued steel flat balance spring and an index regulator. The watch is accompanied by an Extract from the Archives and measures 50 mm in diameter according to the provided documentation.

Front view of the Patek Philippe half open-face pocket watch.
Front view of the Patek Philippe half open-face pocket watch. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Half open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe & Cie.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
484
Source-reported date
1876
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
52983

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

The watch is housed in a sterling silver case designed in a half open-face format. It comprises five bodies with a bassine configuration, featuring a polished bezel, band, and case back. An engraved silver cuvette inside the case serves as a point of signature and identification, displaying both the movement number and the manufacturer's name.

The white enamel dial features a layout of radial Roman numerals. It incorporates an outer track for the tracking of minutes. Time is indicated by a set of blued steel spade-shaped hands, consistent with the construction of the timekeeping components documented in the provided notes.

Evidence for this section
  • “Five body, bassine, polished bezel ,band and back”
  • “engraved silver cuvette ''No 52983 Patek Phillipe & Cie.”
  • “White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minutes track.”
  • “Bleu steel spade hands.”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is a frosted gilt bar caliber. It is designed with 10 jewels and utilizes a cylinder escapement for its timekeeping function. The mechanical arrangement includes a plain three-arm gold balance paired with a blued steel flat balance spring.

Operation of the watch is facilitated through a wolf’s tooth winding system, while an index regulator is provided for the adjustment of timekeeping. The auction description notes that the movement is currently in a condition that warrants an overhaul.

Evidence for this section
  • “frosted gilt, bar caliber, 10 jewels”
  • “wolf`s tooth winding, cylinder escapement”
  • “plain three- arm gold balance, blued steel flat balance spring, index regulator.”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Signatures and Documentation

The watch is explicitly signed on the silver cuvette, which bears the engraving 'No 52983 Patek Phillipe & Cie.' The serial number 52983 is consistently applied to both the movement and the watch case.

Supporting historical records for the object include an Extract from the Archives. The records confirm that while the piece was manufactured in 1876, the final sale occurred in July 1879.

Evidence for this section
  • “engraved silver cuvette ''No 52983 Patek Phillipe & Cie.”
  • “movement No.52983, case No.52983.”
  • “Accompanied by the Extract from the Archives.”
  • “Made in 1876 sold in july 1879.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific history of ownership for this timepiece between 1876 and 1879?
  • Are there additional archival details available regarding the original retailer of this piece?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe & Cie. Half Open-Face Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe & Cie.“Patek Philippe & Cie., Genève”
Serial Number52983“movement No.52983, case No.52983”
Date of Manufacture1876“Made in 1876”
Date of SaleJuly 1879“sold in july 1879”
Case ConstructionFive-body bassine“Five body, bassine”
Movement TypeCylinder escapement“cylinder escapement”
MaterialSterling silver“sterling silver keyless pocket watch”
Diameter50 mm“DIAM. 50”

Visible details

  • Polished silver case
  • Radial Roman numeral dial
  • Blued steel spade hands
  • Bow and crown winding mechanism

Research qualifications

  • The auction description reports the movement requires an overhaul
  • Condition reports indicate the case has slight scratches

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

Consulted source

PATEK PHILIPPE STERLING POCKET WATCH Half open-face Patek Philippe & Cie., Genève, movement No.52983, case No.52983. Made in 1876 sold in july 1879. Fine and rare, sterling silver keyless pocket watch. Accompanied by the Extract from the Archives.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 5decfc860b

Terms in this record

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