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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Bridge movement pocket chronometer

Patek Philippe & Cie. Observatory Chronometer Movement

Partially verified

This Patek Philippe & Cie. bridge movement, numbered 47952, represents a specialized horological instrument produced circa 1876. Designed for precision, the movement features a lever escapement, a gold screw compensation balance, and a free-sprung blued helical balance spring. According to the source, the mechanism was adjusted by Alexis Favre and participated in the Geneva Observatory chronometer tests during 1878 and 1879. It achieved 151.1 points and a classification of "Chronomètres 1re Classe Mention Honorable," placing 15th among 138 entries. Supporting documentation includes an extract from the chronometer archives, an extract from the Geneva Observatory register, and a photocopy of the Bulletin de Dépot. The object measures 60 mm in diameter and weighs 209 grams, reflecting its intended utility as a high-precision observatory test piece.

View of the movement in its brass, glazed showcase.
View of the movement in its brass, glazed showcase. — Auktionen Dr. Crott / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Movement · Bridge movement pocket chronometer
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe & Cie.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
c254e46177
Source-reported date
circa 1876
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
47952

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

Movement Technical Specifications

It utilizes a lever escapement system paired with a gold screw compensation balance. A distinct technical feature is the inclusion of a free-sprung blued helical balance spring, intended to enhance rate stability.

The object has a reported diameter of 60 mm and a weight of 209 g.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movm.: Bridge movement, lever escapement, gold screw compensation balance, freesprung blued helical balance spring.”
  • “Case: Brass showcase, glazed.”
  • “Dimensions 60 mm”
  • “Weight 209 g”

Observatory Performance and Records

During the years 1878 and 1879, movement number 47952 was submitted to the Geneva Observatory for performance testing. It was subjected to the trials for the category of 'Chronomètres 1re Classe,' where it earned a score of 151.1 points. This result secured the 15th position out of 138 entries.

The movement received the 'Mention Honorable' designation. The testing history is documented by an extract from the Geneva Observatory’s chronometer register and a photocopy of the Bulletin de Dépot, confirming its participation and performance during the late 19th-century testing period.

Evidence for this section
  • “In 1878/1879 this watch movement took part in the chronometer test at the Geneva observatory "Chronomètres 1re Classe Mention Honorable" and achieved 151,1 points”
  • “made it 15th of 138 chronometers in the category "Chronomètres 1re Classe”
  • “photocopy of the Bulletin de Dépot, signed by Alexis Favre”

Provenance and Authentication

The object is supported by archival extracts providing provenance and technical verification. These documents include an extract from the chronometer archives compiled by Andreas Hidding, which verifies the movement's history and its association with the adjuster Alexis Favre.

While the source provides specific archival citations, the wider classification of the object as a dedicated observatory chronometer remains subject to ongoing research. The source notes that credible evidence exists but that the classification is not fully established.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement comes with an extract extract from the chronometer archives by Andreas Hidding”
  • “extract from the Geneva Observatory’s chronometer register for pocket-chronometers”
  • “Credible evidence exists but classification is not fully established.”

Open research questions

  • Confirm the specific role of the brass showcase in the observatory testing process.
  • Verify the full scope of Alexis Favre's adjustment work for Patek Philippe during the 1870s.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe & Cie. Observatory Chronometer Movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe & Cie.“Patek Philippe & Cie.”
Movement Number47952“Movm. No. 47952”
Datecirca 1876“circa 1876”
OriginSchweiz“Origin Schweiz”
Dimensions60 mm“Dimensions 60 mm”
Weight209 g“Weight 209 g”
EscapementLever escapement“lever escapement”
AdjusterAlexis Favre“The movement was adjusted by Alexis Favre.”

Visible details

  • Bridge-style movement architecture
  • Visible gold screw compensation balance
  • Helical balance spring
  • Brass protective display housing

Research qualifications

  • Wider type and source attribution have not been independently verified
  • Classification status is noted as probable rather than fully established

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

Consulted source

Patek Philippe & Cie. - Observatory Chronometer

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record e70967544e

Terms in this record

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