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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Patek Philippe Ref. 600 Open Face Pocket Watch in Platinum

Partially verified

This reference 600 open face pocket watch by Patek Philippe features a platinum case measuring 43 mm in diameter. According to an accompanying extract from the archives cited by the source, the timepiece was manufactured in 1952 and subsequently sold on March 20, 1953. It is equipped with a manual-winding movement. The silvered dial is detailed with applied faceted baton hour markers, a double index at 12 o'clock, dauphine hands, a beaded outer minute track, and an inset subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. The watch is completed by an angular bow above the crown.

Platinum Patek Philippe reference 600 open face pocket watch showing dial, hands, and angular bow
Platinum Patek Philippe reference 600 open face pocket watch showing dial, hands, and angular bow — Christie's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
600
Catalogue / lot identifier
256
Source-reported date
1952
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
891'887

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

Identity and Documentation

This open-face pocket watch is catalogued under Patek Philippe reference 600, executed in a platinum case measuring 43 mm in diameter. The listing records movement number 891'887 and case number 420'388.

Production and distribution dates are derived from an extract from the archives, which indicates that the watch was manufactured in 1952 and subsequently sold on 20 March 1953. The watch is catalogued without original box or papers.

Evidence for this section
  • “REF. 600”
  • “CASE MATERIAL: Platinum”
  • “CASE DIAMETER: 43 mm.”
  • “MOVEMENT NO: 891'887”
  • “CASE NO: 420'388”
  • “WITH: Extract from the archives confirming the date of manufacture in 1952 and its subsequent sale on 20 March 1953”
  • “BOX: No”
  • “PAPERS: No”

Dial and Exterior Observations

Visual observation shows a silvered dial bearing applied faceted baton-style indexes with a double index at 12 o'clock, dauphine hour and minute hands, and a beaded minute track around the dial edge. An inset subsidiary seconds dial is located at 6 o'clock with black calibrations, and the dial signature below 12 o'clock reads 'PATEK.PHILIPPE & CIE GENEVE'.

The exterior shows an angular bow frame positioned over a fluted winding crown at 12 o'clock. The cataloguing notes that case hallmarks are crisp and defined, though specific hallmarks and the case interior are not depicted in the single supplied photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silvered dial with applied faceted baton-style indexes and double index at 12 o'clock”
  • “Dauphine hour and minute hands”
  • “Subsidiary seconds subdial at 6 o'clock with black calibrations”
  • “Beaded minute track along the dial perimeter”
  • “Dial signed PATEK.PHILIPPE & CIE GENEVE below 12 o'clock”
  • “Angular bow frame over a fluted winding crown at 12 o'clock”
  • “Hallmarks are crisp and defined.”

Movement and Condition Notes

The watch is catalogued with a manual-winding movement. Because internal images are not included in the record, the caliber designation, movement finishing, and mechanical preservation are not documented in this source.

Operational condition is based on the seller's condition report, which states that the movement was running at the time of cataloging but was not tested for accuracy. The report notes spotting, scratches, and debris on the dial, light signs of age on the indexes, light scratches and debris on the hands, scratches and light wear throughout the case, and scratches on the crystal.

Evidence for this section
  • “MOVEMENT: Manual”
  • “Movement: The movement is running at the time of cataloging, consistent with the age of the watch. The movement has not been tested for accuracy.”
  • “Dial: The dial has spotting with scratches and debris. The indexes show light signs of age. The hands have light scratches and debris”
  • “Case: The case has scratches and light wear throughout. The crystal has scratches.”

Open research questions

  • What specific caliber number is stamped on movement 891'887?
  • Where are the platinum hallmarks placed on case 420'388, and which assay marks are visible?
  • Does the silvered dial retain its original factory finish, or does it exhibit evidence of earlier restoration?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Ref. 600 Open Face Pocket Watch in Platinum
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference600“REF. 600”
Case MaterialPlatinum“CASE MATERIAL: Platinum”
Case Diameter43 mm“CASE DIAMETER: 43 mm.”
Movement Number891'887“MOVEMENT NO: 891'887”
Case Number420'388“CASE NO: 420'388”
Manufactured Date1952“MANUFACTURED: 1952”
Movement TypeManual“MOVEMENT: Manual”
Original BoxNo“BOX: No”
Original PapersNo“PAPERS: No”
DocumentationAccompanied by Extract from the Archives“WITH: Extract from the archives confirming the date of manufacture in 1952 and its subsequent sale on 20 March 1953”
Sale Date20 March 1953“its subsequent sale on 20 March 1953”

Visible details

  • Silvered dial with applied faceted baton-style indexes and double index at 12 o'clock
  • Dauphine hour and minute hands
  • Subsidiary seconds subdial at 6 o'clock with black calibrations
  • Beaded minute track along the dial perimeter
  • Angular bow frame over a fluted winding crown at 12 o'clock
  • Dial signed PATEK.PHILIPPE & CIE GENEVE below 12 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • Movement and interior case back are not visible in the supplied photograph
  • Source condition report notes dial spotting, scratches, and debris, as well as scratches and light wear on the case and crystal

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

Consulted source

PATEK PHILIPPE, ATTRACTIVE AND ELEGANT PLATINUM OPEN FACE WATCH, REF. 600, | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record d542b9846d

Terms in this record

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

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