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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Display clock

Patek Philippe L'Ora Display Clock

Partially verified

This Patek Philippe display clock, identified by the model name 'L'Ora', dates to circa 1930. The object is a manual wind, deck-style lever chronometer housed within a 90 mm chrome-plated metal case. Its internal mechanism is a gilt brass movement featuring 21 jewels, the Geneva hallmark, and wolf's tooth winding. The chronometer is equipped with a straight-line calibrated lever escapement and an anibal-brass Guillaume balance paired with a special alloy Breguet balance spring. Precision regulation is managed via a swan-neck micrometric regulator. The auction description notes a stop feature is located at the 4 o'clock position. The clock face bears the Patek Philippe & Co. Geneve signature. While the overall condition is noted as excellent, the auction house reports minor oxidation on the case, movement, and dial, and recommends a technical overhaul for the movement.

Patek Philippe 'L'Ora' display clock in its wooden base, showcasing the chrome-plated bezel and signature plaques.
Patek Philippe 'L'Ora' display clock in its wooden base, showcasing the chrome-plated bezel and signature plaques. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Clock · Display clock
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
491
Source-reported date
circa 1930
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
610487

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 L'Ora display clock is presented in a 90 mm chrome-plated and metal housing. The clock assembly is mounted within a wooden display base, which features decorative metallic plaques bearing the manufacturer's name and the model designation 'L'ora'.

The dial is configured with a subsidiary seconds indicator at the 6 o'clock position. The auction report indicates the dial is in good condition, though it is described as slightly oxidized.

Evidence for this section
  • “Diameter 90 mm”
  • “CHROME-PLATED AND METAL”
  • “Dial: 3-6-01 Good Slightly oxidized”

Movement and Escapement

The internal mechanism is a manual wind, gilt brass movement with 21 jewels. It is equipped with a straight-line calibrated lever escapement and features the Geneva hallmark, indicating the movement's adherence to specific regional standards. The timekeeping regulation is performed via a swan-neck micrometric regulator, designed for precise adjustment.

A key feature of the escapement is the anibal-brass Guillaume balance, coupled with a special alloy Breguet balance spring featuring inner and outer terminal curves. The movement is constructed with wolf's tooth winding.

Evidence for this section
  • “gilt brass, 21 jewels, movement double stamped with Geneva hallmark”
  • “straight-line calibrated lever escapement, anibal-brass Guillaume balance”
  • “swan-neck" micrometric regulator”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Signatures and Condition

Patek Philippe is identified as the manufacturer of the dial, case, and movement. The movement carries the serial number 191446, while the case is numbered 610487. The authenticity of the signatures is confirmed by their presence on the dial, the exterior case hardware, and the internal movement plate.

Regarding the physical state of the clock, the auction house assigned a grading of 'AAA Excellent'. Despite this grade, specific observations note that the case, dial, and movement exhibit slight oxidation. These findings, combined with the explicit recommendation for an overhaul, define the current technical state of this vintage horological instrument.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signature Dial, case and movement”
  • “Grading System Grade: AAA Excellent”
  • “Case: 3-6 Good Slightly oxidized”
  • “Movement: 3-6* Good Slightly oxidized”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific functionality or intended use case for the 'L'ora' stop feature?
  • Are there archival records confirming the production volume of the L'Ora display clock series?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe L'Ora Display Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe“PATEK PHILIPPE”
Case Number610487“Case No. 610487”
Movement Number191446“Movement No. 191446”
Caliber FeaturesGilt brass, 21 jewels, Geneva hallmark“gilt brass, 21 jewels, movement double stamped with Geneva hallmark”
Diameter90 mm“Diameter 90 mm”
Balance TypeAnibal-brass Guillaume balance“anibal-brass Guillaume balance”
ProvenanceProperty of an Italian gentleman“Provenance property of an Italian gentleman”

Visible details

  • Presence of a stop mechanism pusher at the 4 o'clock position on the case periphery.
  • The dial features a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position.
  • The gilt brass movement is marked with the Geneva hallmark.
  • The wooden housing includes decorative metal plaques labeled 'Patek, Philippe & Co' and 'L'ora'.

Research qualifications

  • The auction house advises that the movement requires an overhaul.
  • The extent of oxidation on the dial, case, and movement is not fully detailed beyond a grade summary.

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

Consulted source

PATEK PHILIPPE, SWITZERLAND, DISPLAY CLOCK ''L'ORA'', CHRONOMETER WITH GUILLAUME BALANCE, CHROME-PLATED AND METAL

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record f5d2b28638

Terms in this record

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