Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Openface keyless lever watch

Patek Philippe Reference 982/155J-001 "Fire Dragon" Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Patek Philippe "Fire Dragon" openface pocket watch, reference 982/155J-001, is a keyless lever timepiece manufactured circa 2013 for the opening of the Shanghai Patek Philippe Maison. The watch features an 18k yellow gold case measuring 44 mm in diameter, with a hinged back decorated with a hand-engraved dragon set against a sunburst pattern and cloisonné enamel. The dial is constructed of translucent red enamel over an engine-turned, hand-engraved yellow gold base, displaying incised relief Chinese numerals. The movement is a calibre 1-17 with 20 jewels, numbered 5'632'890. Additional decorative elements include an orange sapphire cabochon set in the crown and a red enamelled yellow gold bow. The watch is accompanied by a custom 18k yellow gold presentation stand on a red-lacquered wood base. The source identifies the maker, references, and construction details while noting the piece was produced as an exclusive offering.

The Patek Philippe "Fire Dragon" pocket watch displayed on its accompanying gold and red-lacquered wood stand.
The Patek Philippe "Fire Dragon" pocket watch displayed on its accompanying gold and red-lacquered wood stand. — Sotheby's / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Openface keyless lever watch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
982/155J-001
Catalogue / lot identifier
200214777
Source-reported date
circa 2013
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
4'712'710

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 Design

The timepiece is housed in an 18k yellow gold hinged case. The reverse displays a hand-engraved dragon set upon a sunburst pattern and a cloisonné enamel background. The crown is set with an orange sapphire cabochon and includes a red enamelled yellow gold bow.

The dial features translucent red enamel applied over a hand-engraved yellow gold base featuring engine turning. The hours are indicated by incised relief Chinese numerals, and the assembly includes yellow gold hands. The watch is suspended from a dedicated presentation stand consisting of a yellow gold support on a red-lacquered wood base.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: 18k yellow gold, hinged case back decorated with a hand-engraved dragon and cloisonné enamel scene”
  • “Dial: translucent guilloché enamel over engine turning and enamel Chinese numerals”
  • “Further exquisite details include a hand-engraved yellow gold crown set with a distinctive orange sapphire cabochon, complete with a red enamelled bow.”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The watch is powered by a mechanical movement identified as the Patek Philippe calibre 1-17. The movement comprises 20 jewels and is recorded with the serial number 5'632'890. The watch is defined as a keyless lever timepiece and includes a power reserve indication function.

The construction of the decorative elements required significant manual labor. The source reports that the creation of the case back scene involved over 250 hours of work, with 100 hours attributed to the engraving process and 150 hours to the application of the enamel.

Evidence for this section
  • “Calibre: cal. 1-17 mechanical, 20 jewels”
  • “A possibly unique yellow gold openface keyless lever watch with power reserve indication”
  • “demanding over 250 hours of meticulous handcraftsmanship, with approximately 100 hours dedicated to the engraving and another 150 to the delicate enamel work.”

Provenance and Context

This reference was created in 2013 as an offering for the opening of the Patek Philippe Maison in Shanghai. It is accompanied by a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin and a presentation box, alongside the gold and lacquered wood display stand.

The case, dial, and movement are signed by the manufacturer. The auction description reports that the object is a possibly unique example and requires independent verification regarding its wider reference type.

Evidence for this section
  • “Made for the opening of the Shanghai Patek Philippe Maison, Circa 2013”
  • “Signed: case, dial and movement”
  • “Accompanied with presentation stand”
  • “The present Patek Philippe Reference 982/155J-001 is a magnificent pocket watch created in 2013 as an exclusive offering for the brand's Maison opening in Shanghai.”

Open research questions

  • Is this specific piece confirmed as a unique commission or one of a limited series?
  • Are there other documented examples of Reference 982/155J-001 in Patek Philippe archives?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Reference 982/155J-001 "Fire Dragon" Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe“Patek Philippe "Fire Dragon", Reference 982/155J-001”
Case Number4'712'710“Case number: 4'712'710”
Movement Number5'632'890“Movement number: 5'632'890”
Calibre1-17“Calibre: cal. 1-17 mechanical, 20 jewels”
Case Material18k yellow gold“Case: 18k yellow gold”
Diameter44 mm“Size: 44 mm diameter”
DateCirca 2013“Circa 2013”

Visible details

  • Hand-engraved dragon motif on case back with cloisonné enamel
  • Translucent red enamel dial with Chinese numerals
  • Orange sapphire cabochon set in crown
  • Red enamelled yellow gold bow

Research qualifications

  • The production number or total count of this reference is not specified
  • Independent type authentication remains research required

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

Consulted source

Pocket-watch, Patek Philippe Reference 982/155J-001, Shanghai, 2013

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 5cf3ed8ac7

Terms in this record

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