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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch

Patek Philippe Minute-Repeating Split-Seconds Chronograph

Partially verified

This 18K yellow gold, keyless, minute-repeating pocket watch by Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, features a split-seconds chronograph and a 30-minute register. The watch, numbered 157153, is housed in a four-body 'demi-bassine' case numbered 270682. The white enamel dial displays painted Arabic numerals, outer minute and chronograph divisions, and recessed subsidiary dials. It is fitted with gold 'Louis XVI' hands. The movement, Caliber 17''', is constructed from maillechort with 'fausses-côtes' decoration and 39 jewels. The complication includes a straight-line counterpoised lever escapement, a cut bimetallic compensation balance, and a blued steel Breguet balance spring with a 'swan-neck' micrometer regulator. The minute-repeating function is operated by a slide on the band. The interior of the hinged gold cuvette features an engraved presentation inscription to Barney Oldfield from David G. Joyce, dated May 30th, 1916. The watch was made for Spaulding & Co., Chicago.

View showing the open case back with cuvette engraving, the movement, and the white enamel dial.
View showing the open case back with cuvette engraving, the movement, and the white enamel dial. — 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 & Cie
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
108
Source-reported date
circa 1915
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
270682

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 constructed with a four-body 'demi-bassine' case made of 18K yellow gold. The back of the case is polished and features a monogram. Inside, the watch includes a hinged gold cuvette that bears a specific engraving: 'Barney Oldfield by David G. Joyce – May 30th 1916'.

The dial is finished in white enamel and features painted Arabic numerals. Chronograph functionality is indicated by the outer minute and outermost chronograph divisions. Time and timing intervals are tracked via gold 'Louis XVI' hands, with two sunken subsidiary dials located at the six and twelve o'clock positions for the seconds and the 30-minute register respectively.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four-body, "demi-bassine", solid, polished, monogrammed case back”
  • “hinged gold cuvette with inscription: ?Barney Oldfield by David G. Joyce ? May 30th 1916?”
  • “White enamel with painted Arabic numerals, outer minute and outermost chronograph divisions”
  • “sunk subsidiary dials for the seconds and the 30-minute register”

Movement and Complications

The timepiece is powered by the Caliber 17''' movement, which is composed of maillechort and finished with 'fausses-côtes' decoration. It is equipped with 39 jewels. The escapement is a straight-line counterpoised lever type, complemented by a cut bimetallic compensation balance and a blued steel Breguet balance spring. Precision adjustments can be made via a 'swan-neck' micrometer regulator.

The watch functions as a minute-repeater, which is activated by a slide mechanism located on the side band of the case. Additionally, the watch includes a split-seconds chronograph with a register. The chronograph works are visible in the movement layout, allowing for the timing of separate events.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 17''', maillechort, ?fausses-côtes? decoration, 39 jewels”
  • “straight line counterpoised lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance”
  • “blued steel Breguet balance spring, ?swan-neck? micrometer regulator”
  • “repeating on gongs by activating slide on the band”

Provenance and Signature

The watch was commissioned for the retailer Spaulding & Co. in Chicago. It was presented to the race car driver Barney Oldfield on May 30, 1916, by David G. Joyce. The documentation notes that the watch corresponds to Patek Philippe movement number 157153 and case number 270682.

The dial, case, and movement are all signed by Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève. The auction report identifies the piece as dating from circa 1915, with the presentation occurring the following year. The mechanical state is noted as requiring an overhaul.

Evidence for this section
  • “Made circa 1915 for Spaulding & Co., Chicago and presented to Barney Oldfield in 1916”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature of the monogram present on the case back?
  • Does Spaulding & Co. archival documentation confirm the specific delivery date for this serial number?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Minute-Repeating Split-Seconds Chronograph
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe & Cie, Genève“Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève”
Movement Serial157153“No. 157153”
Case Serial270682“case No. 270682”
Datecirca 1915“Made circa 1915”
Movement Caliber17'''“Cal. 17'''”
Jewels39“39 jewels”
Case Material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold pocket watch”
RetailerSpaulding & Co., Chicago“for Spaulding & Co., Chicago”

Visible details

  • Hinged gold cuvette engraved with presentation inscription
  • Visible chronograph mechanism with column wheel
  • Four-body 'demi-bassine' case profile
  • Gold Louis XVI hands against white enamel dial

Research qualifications

  • The source reports the dial has scratches
  • The auction house recommends a mechanical overhaul at the buyer's expense

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

Consulted source

Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, No. 157153, case No. 270682. Made circa 1915 for Spaulding & Co., Chicago and presented to Barney Oldfield in 1916. Very fine, keyless, minute-repeating, 18K yellow gold pocket watch with split-seconds chronograph and register.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record c3426b4ade

Terms in this record

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

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