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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch

Patek Philippe Minute Repeating Open-Face Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch is crafted in 18K yellow gold and features a minute-repeater complication. It was manufactured by Patek Philippe and originally commissioned for the American jeweler Shreve, Crump & Low of Boston. According to official company records, the watch was produced in 1901 and sold in 1906. The timepiece is powered by a manual-winding movement, identified as caliber 19-ligne. The white enamel dial displays standard time indicators with a subsidiary seconds dial at the six o'clock position. The inner dust cover is engraved with the retailer's name alongside the maker's details and the movement number. The watch is accompanied by an Extract from the Archives, an original certificate, and a fitted box. The movement is reported to be in very good condition with a recommendation for professional service.

The watch displayed with its accompanying documentation and fitted box.
The watch displayed with its accompanying documentation and fitted box. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
22
Source-reported date
1901
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
112231

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 an 18K yellow gold, open-face case measuring 52mm in diameter. The dial is composed of white enamel and is marked with black Roman numerals for the hours and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at the bottom. The finish of the case is reported as being in very good condition, with minor scratches noted on the exterior surfaces.

The inner cuvette, or dust cover, serves as an identifying plate for the timepiece. It is precision-engraved with the maker’s name, the movement serial number, and the specific retailer designation for Shreve, Crump & Low of Boston.

Evidence for this section
  • “white enamel dial”
  • “, open-face, 18K yellow gold, minute repeating pocket watch with enamel dial”
  • “the dust cover engraved “PATEK PHILIPPE & CO GENEVE, No.112231, MADE FOR SHREVE CRUMP & LOW CO. BOSTON.””

Movement and Function

The movement is a 19-ligne caliber constructed for minute-repeating functionality. This complication allows the user to trigger an acoustic signal representing the time down to the minute via a slide on the case side. The movement is signed and features sequential numbering that matches the internal documentation provided with the watch.

Technical records indicate that this movement was submitted for chronometric testing. It was granted a rating certificate by the Geneva Observatory on June 16, 1906.

Evidence for this section
  • “manual winding, open-face, 18K yellow gold, minute repeating pocket watch”
  • “Caliber 19”, minute repeater”
  • “The watch obtained the Geneva Observatory rating certificate on June 16th, 1906.”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Provenance and Documentation

The watch originates from the year 1901, as confirmed by an Extract from the Archives provided by Patek Philippe, dated August 6, 2013. Although manufactured in 1901, the timepiece was sold later, in 1906. It was originally commissioned through the Shreve, Crump & Low retail firm, a jeweler based in Boston.

The lot is supported by its original factory documentation, including a certificate and the aforementioned Extract from the Archives, which attest to the watch's origin and original sale date. It is presented within its original Patek Philippe fitted box, representing a complete set of historical documentation for this specific repeater.

Evidence for this section
  • “According to the Extract from the Archives dated on August 6th, 2013, this rare Patek Philippe open-face pocket watch with a minute repeater was made in 1901 and sold in 1906.”
  • “This timepiece was originally commissioned by the renowned American jeweler Shreve, Crump & Low.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific history of the relationship between Patek Philippe and Shreve, Crump & Low regarding these commissions?
  • What are the results of the specific 1906 Geneva Observatory test records for movement number 112.231?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Minute Repeating Open-Face Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe“PATEK PHILIPPE, MINUTE REPEATER, OPEN FACE POCKET WATCH”
RetailerShreve, Crump & Low Co.“MADE FOR SHREVE CRUMP & LOW CO. BOSTON”
Case Material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold”
Production Year1901“made in 1901”
Case Number241.885“Case No. 241.885”
Movement Number112.231“Movement No. 112.231”
Caliber19”“Caliber 19””
Diameter52mm“Diameter 52mm.”

Visible details

  • The inner case back features engraved retailer information for Shreve, Crump & Low, Boston.
  • The dial is a white enamel design with black Roman numerals and slender blued steel hands.
  • The watch is accompanied by a wooden fitted presentation box.

Research qualifications

  • The movement is noted by the auction house to require an overhaul.
  • The case is described as having slight scratches.

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

Consulted source

PATEK PHILIPPE, MINUTE REPEATER, OPEN FACE POCKET WATCH, MADE FOR SHREVE CRUMP & LOW CO. BOSTON IN 1901, 18K YELLOW GOLD

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record abfd35c66e

Terms in this record

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

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