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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch

Patek Philippe for N. Matson & Co. Chicago Hunter Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 18K yellow gold hunter case pocket watch was manufactured by Patek, Philippe & Co. for retailer N. Matson & Co. of Chicago, dating according to the auction house to circa 1881. The piece features a manual-wind movement stamped with number 43590 and a white dial configured with small seconds. Measuring approximately 38 mm in diameter, the yellow gold case displays an engraved monogram across its front cover, while the interior bears maker and retailer signatures alongside an engraving dated December 22nd, 1881.

Front exterior view of the closed 18K yellow gold hunter case pocket watch showing the monogram engraving
Front exterior view of the closed 18K yellow gold hunter case pocket watch showing the monogram engraving — Freeman's | Hindman. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
hindmanauctions.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe for N. Matson & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
55
Source-reported date
Circa 1881
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
43590

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

Object Identity and Documentation

This timepiece is identified by the source as a Patek, Philippe & Co. hunter case pocket watch produced for retailer N. Matson & Co. of Chicago. The watch is associated with the production date of circa 1881.

Internal case markings include the serial number 43590 and the inscription 'Made for N. Matson & Co. Chicago BY PATEK, PHILIPPE & Co. GENEVA 0,750 PPCo. 90.' Additionally, the inner case back features an engraving dated 'Dec. 22nd 1881'.

Evidence for this section
  • “PATEK PHILIPPE FOR N. MATSON & CO. CHICAGO, 18K YELLOW GOLD HUNTER CASE POCKET WATCH, CIRCA 1881”
  • “Stamps: Case interior: 43590 No43590 Made for N. Matson & Co. Chicago BY PATEK, PHILIPPE & Co. GENEVA 0,750 PPCo. 90.”
  • “Inner case back is engraved "Dec. 22nd 1881".”

Construction and Exterior

The watch is encased in 18K yellow gold, measuring approximately 38 mm in diameter. The exterior of the front cover features a decorative monogram engraving.

The case assembly includes a fluted winding crown situated at the 12 o'clock position and a visible hinge structure at the case rim.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case size: Approx. 38 mm”
  • “Case material: 18K yellow gold”
  • “Front of hunter case has elaborate monogram engraving”
  • “Visible side hinge structure at the case rim”

Movement and Dial Specifications

The movement is a manual-wind type, identified with the number 43590 and stamped 'PATEK, PHILIPPE & Co. No. 43590 GENEVA.'

The white dial is configured with a small seconds function. The dial and internal movement are not visible in the provided photographic materials.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: Manual wind”
  • “Movement: PATEK, PHILIPPE & Co. No. 43590 GENEVA.”
  • “Dial: White”
  • “Functions: Small seconds”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the '0,750 PPCo. 90' stamp in the interior case back relative to production specifications?
  • Can the serial number 43590 be verified against Patek Philippe factory archives to confirm origin and manufacturing date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe for N. Matson & Co. Chicago Hunter Case Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement number43590“Movement number: 43590”
Case material18K yellow gold“Case material: 18K yellow gold”
Case sizeApprox. 38 mm“Case size: Approx. 38 mm”
Dial colorWhite“Dial: White”
FunctionsSmall seconds“Functions: Small seconds”
Gross weight34.90 dwt.“Gross weight: 34.90 dwt.”
ConditionLight scratches consistent with age and use“Light scratches consistent with age and use, in excellent condition.”

Visible details

  • Closed yellow gold hunter case with detailed decorative monogram engraving across the center cover
  • Fluted winding crown surrounded by a rounded suspension bow at the 12 o'clock position
  • Visible side hinge structure at the case rim

Research qualifications

  • The dial, hands, and inner movement are not visible in the provided photo, which shows only the closed hunter case exterior.

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

Consulted source

PATEK PHILIPPE FOR N. MATSON & CO. CHICAGO, 18K YELLOW... | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record c20b542955

Terms in this record

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

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