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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Marine chronometer

Patek Philippe Naviquartz III Electronic Chronometer

Partially verified

This Patek Philippe Naviquartz III, numbered 1800374 and identified as model 1215 B, was sold on July 5, 1976. The object functions as an electronic chronometer housed in a mahogany case. Its design features a tri-tier hinged construction, with the external surfaces and corners reinforced by brass inlays, resembling the configuration of traditional deck watches. The base includes a folding brass isle. The white dial displays Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and black Breguet-style hands. Two apertures are located on the dial plate below the center: the right aperture functions with a pushbutton to activate the power reserve indication, while the left aperture serves as the indicator itself. The movement is quartz-based and electronic, incorporating a pushbutton to stop the mechanism for precision time setting. The piece is signed on the dial, movement, and case back, and comes with its original invoice and certificate.

The Patek Philippe Naviquartz III marine chronometer, showing the mahogany case with brass inlays, dial with power reserve indicator, and control pushbuttons.
The Patek Philippe Naviquartz III marine chronometer, showing the mahogany case with brass inlays, dial with power reserve indicator, and control pushbuttons. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Marine chronometer · Marine chronometer
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe & Cie.
Reference
1215 B
Catalogue / lot identifier
40
Source-reported date
1976
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
1800374

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 Construction

The object is housed in a mahogany case characterized by a tri-tier, hinged construction. Reflecting the style of historical deck chronometers, the exterior corners and sides are reinforced with brass inlays, providing structural protection and visual detail. The base of the mahogany box incorporates a folding brass isle, a functional addition for desk or maritime use.

The interior reveals a metallic plate upon which the dial and controls are mounted, The overall dimensions of the housing are recorded as 16 x 12 x 8 centimeters.

Evidence for this section
  • “Tri-tier, hinged, corners and sides reinforced by brass inlays in the tradition of deck watches”
  • “bottom with folding brass isle”
  • “Dim. 16 x 12 x 8 cm”

Dial and Control Interface

The white dial is marked with bold Roman numerals and an outer minute track. Time is indicated by black Breguet-style hands. The dial plate extends below the central display, where two circular apertures are integrated into the brass plate.

Functionally, the instrument provides information regarding battery power reserve. A pushbutton located to the right activates the power reserve indication, which is then displayed in the aperture to the left. These controls are integrated into the dial plate, creating a streamlined interface for the user.

Evidence for this section
  • “White with bold Roman numerals, outer minute track, below on the dial plate two apertures, right for pushbutton activating power reserve indication, left for the indicator. Black Breguet hands.”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is driven by an electronic quartz movement. The system includes a stop-seconds feature, which allows the user to halt the seconds hand via a dedicated pushbutton, facilitating precision time synchronization. The electronic nature of the movement necessitates battery power, which is monitored by the integrated reserve indicator system described above.

The object bears signatures on the dial, the case back, and the movement itself. The instrument was officially sold in 1976 and is accompanied by its original documentation, including the invoice and certificate.

Evidence for this section
  • “Quartz, electronic, pushbutton for stopping for precision setting.”
  • “Signed on the dial, the back and the movement.”
  • “accompanied by original invoice and original certificate.”

Open research questions

  • What specific electronic movement caliber powers the 1215 B model?
  • Are there variations in the brass inlay patterns across different Naviquartz III units?
  • Did Patek Philippe utilize a specific battery size for the 1976 Naviquartz production series?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Naviquartz III Electronic Chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek, Philippe & Cie.“Patek, Philippe & Cie., Genève”
Serial Number1800374“No. 1800374”
Model1215 B“Model 1215 B”
Dimensions16 x 12 x 8 cm“Dim. 16 x 12 x 8 cm”
Movement TypeElectronic quartz“Quartz, electronic”
Sale DateJuly 5, 1976“sold on July 5, 1976”

Visible details

  • Tri-tier mahogany case with brass corner inlays
  • Dial contains a power reserve indicator and a test pushbutton
  • Movement includes a secondary pushbutton for stop-seconds feature
  • Case measures 16 x 12 x 8 cm

Research qualifications

  • The source does not specify the battery type required for the electronic movement
  • The specific date of manufacture is not stated, only the July 5, 1976 sale date

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

Consulted source

Patek, Philippe & Cie., Genève, No. 1800374, Model 1215 B, sold on July 5, 1976. Very fine "Naviquartz III", mahogany electronic chronometer with center seconds, stop feature, and battery power reserve indicator, accompanied by original invoice and original certificate.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 69158d16c7

Terms in this record

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

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