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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch, dated circa 1904, is documented by the auction source as manufactured by Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. It features an 18K yellow gold case measuring approximately 44 mm and a white enamel dial signed 'TIFFANY & CO.' with Arabic numerals, an outer minute ring, and a subsidiary seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. The manual-wind movement is catalogued as stamped 'MADE IN SWITZERLAND No. 129029 Tiffany & Co.', with inner case number 235274. The source notes historical provenance to John Jacob Astor IV, recovery from the RMS Titanic disaster, and that it is accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives.

Dial and front view of the 18K yellow gold open-face pocket watch
Dial and front view of the 18K yellow gold open-face pocket watch — Freeman's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
freemansauction.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
36
Source-reported date
Circa 1904
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
129029

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 open-face pocket watch is catalogued as a Patek Philippe timepiece retailed by Tiffany & Co., dated to approximately 1904. The watch is accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives.

Internal markings identify the piece with movement number 129029 and inner case number 235274. The auction documentation attributes the watch to John Jacob Astor IV, citing its recovery as a personal effect following the sinking of the RMS Titanic.

Evidence for this section
  • “Maker: Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co.”
  • “Year: Circa 1904”
  • “Movement number: 129029”
  • “Inner case back: TIFFANY & CO. 235274.”
  • “Sold with: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives”

Construction and Visual Observations

The watch features an 18K yellow gold case measuring approximately 44 mm. The white enamel dial is signed 'TIFFANY & CO.' and includes black Arabic numerals, an outer minute ring, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.

The case back is noted to have a monogram engraving. The auction source indicates that the blued steel hands may be replacements.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case size: Approx. 44 mm”
  • “Case material: 18K yellow gold”
  • “Dial: White enamel”
  • “Case back monogram engraving: JJA.”
  • “Hands are possible replacement.”

Condition and Technical Limitations

The manual-wind movement exhibits light surface discoloration on the plates and bridges, as well as surface corrosion on the hairspring, attributed by the source to moisture exposure. The internal dust cover is missing.

The auction house notes that the authenticity of individual parts is not guaranteed due to potential past repairs and restoration. The timepiece is sold 'AS IS' with no warranty provided.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement plates/bridges have light surface discoloration, most likely caused by exposure to moisture.”
  • “Movement dust cover is missing.”
  • “The authenticity of individual parts is not guaranteed since repairs and restoration may have occurred.”
  • “All lots are sold “AS IS”.”

Open research questions

  • Does the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirm the specific case and movement numbers in relation to the original 1904 sale?
  • To what extent have the documented moisture exposure and surface corrosion impacted the operational state of the movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe for Tiffany & Co.“Maker: Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co.”
Case Number235274“Case number: 235274”
Movement Number129029“Movement number: 129029”
Case SizeApprox. 44 mm“Case size: Approx. 44 mm”
Case Material18K yellow gold“Case material: 18K yellow gold”
DialWhite enamel“Dial: White enamel”
Gross Weight32.60 dwt.“Gross weight: 32.60 dwt.”
Case MonogramJJA“Case back monogram engraving: JJA.”

Visible details

  • Open-face yellow gold case with ribbed winding crown and oval bow at top
  • White enamel dial signed 'TIFFANY & CO.' below 12 o'clock
  • Black Arabic numeral hour markers with red 5-minute outer interval numbers
  • Blued steel pierced decorative hands and subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • Source notes the movement dust cover is missing
  • Source notes hands are possible replacements
  • Movement and engraved case back are described in text but not visible in the primary image
  • Condition report notes hairspring has surface corrosion and movement plates/bridges have light surface discoloration indicating prior moisture exposure

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

Consulted source

John Jacob Astor IV's Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co.,... | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 038f118b0e

Terms in this record

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

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