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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face chronograph pocket watch

Patek Philippe open face chronograph pocket watch

Partially verified

This Patek Philippe open face chronograph pocket watch is cased in 18k yellow gold with a 45 mm diameter. According to an Extract from the Archives cited by the catalog, production is dated to 1901 with a subsequent sale on March 5th, 1925. The watch is powered by a manual-wind 17-ligne caliber and features a white enamel dial with black Breguet-style Arabic numerals, blued steel hands, and an outer 1/5-second track. The display includes a 30-minute chronograph counter at 12 o'clock and subsidiary running seconds at 6 o'clock. The chronograph operates via a single crown-integrated pusher and incorporates a locking bolt at 11 o'clock.

Patek Philippe 18k yellow gold open face chronograph pocket watch with white enamel dial
Patek Philippe 18k yellow gold open face chronograph pocket watch with white enamel dial — Phillips. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.phillips.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face chronograph pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
838
Source-reported date
1901
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
408'866

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

Dial and Indication

The timepiece features a white enamel dial with black Breguet-style Arabic hour numerals, paired with blued steel hands and an outer 1/5-second graduation for the chronograph function. Chronograph minutes are tracked on a 30-minute subsidiary register positioned at 12 o'clock, counterbalanced by a running seconds subdial at 6 o'clock.

The dial is lettered across the center as 'PATEK, PHILIPPE & CIE GENEVA, SWITZERLAND', with 'FAB. SUISSE' placed along the edge at 6 o'clock. Visible elements in the photograph conform to this two-register vertical layout, while internal mechanism and case components remain obscured.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial featuring painted black Breguet-style Arabic numerals and blued steel hands.”
  • “The enamel dial has an outer 1/5 seconds track, used with the chronograph function”
  • “Dial signed 'PATEK, PHILIPPE & CIE GENEVA, SWITZERLAND' across the center and 'FAB. SUISSE' at 6 o'clock.”

Case and Chronograph Operation

Constructed in 18k yellow gold with a catalogued diameter of 45 mm, the open-face case houses a monopusher chronograph system. Operating controls are centered around the pendant, where the winding crown integrates a single central pusher beneath an oval bow bearing a stamped hallmark.

A locking slide bolt is positioned along the band and bezel near 11 o'clock to secure the chronograph mechanism against unintended actuation. The catalog records the case as number 408'866.

Evidence for this section
  • “Material 18k yellow gold”
  • “activated through the pusher in the winding crown, and can be locked with the bolt at the 11 o’clock”
  • “Winding crown fitted with a coaxial chronograph pusher beneath an oval bow bearing a stamped hallmark.”

Reported Movement and Archival Documentation

According to the auction catalog, the watch is powered by a manual-wind 17-ligne caliber bearing movement number 156'854. While the catalog specifies that the case, cuvette, dial, and movement are signed, the movement, inner cuvette, and interior case back are not shown in the available single photograph.

Dating and commercial history rely on documentation cited by the seller, specifically an Extract from the Archives confirming the piece was manufactured in 1901 and subsequently sold on March 5th, 1925.

Evidence for this section
  • “Calibre Manual, cal. 17"”
  • “Case, cuvette, dial and movement signed”
  • “Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1901 and its subsequent sale on March 5th, 1925”

Open research questions

  • What specific markings, hallmarks, and serial stampings appear on the interior case back and cuvette, which are not depicted in the listing imagery?
  • What is the exact mechanical layout, finishing grade, and jewel count of caliber 17" under movement number 156'854?
  • Why was there a 24-year interval between the reported 1901 production and the March 5, 1925 sale date recorded in the archival extract?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe open face chronograph pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Number156'854“Movement No 156'854”
Case Number408'866“Case No 408'866”
Material18k yellow gold“Material 18k yellow gold”
CalibreManual, cal. 17"“Calibre Manual, cal. 17"”
Dimensions45mm diameter“Dimensions 45mm diameter”
Production Year1901“confirming production of the present watch in 1901”
Sale DateMarch 5th, 1925“its subsequent sale on March 5th, 1925”
AccompanimentsFitted presentation box, additional crystal, and Extract from the Archives“With a Patek Philippe fitted presentation box and additional crystal. Further delivered with Extract from the Archives”
Signatures ReportedCase, cuvette, dial, and movement“Case, cuvette, dial and movement signed”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial featuring painted black Breguet-style Arabic numerals and blued steel hands.
  • Vertically aligned subsidiary counters: 30-minute register at 12 o'clock and running seconds at 6 o'clock.
  • Winding crown fitted with a coaxial chronograph pusher beneath an oval bow bearing a stamped hallmark.
  • Slide lock bolt situated on the bezel/case band near 11 o'clock.
  • Dial signed 'PATEK, PHILIPPE & CIE GENEVA, SWITZERLAND' across the center and 'FAB. SUISSE' at 6 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • Movement, inner cuvette, case back interior, and accompanying accessories are not visible in the provided photograph.

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

Consulted source

Patek Philippe The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SEVEN

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record e52971c1e5

Terms in this record

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

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