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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Independent seconds pocket watch

Patek Philippe Seconde Morte pocket watch no. 27271

Partially verified

This 18K gold pocket watch, serial number 27271, is part of an experimental series of Seconde Morte watches produced by Patek Philippe around 1868. The timepiece features an independent seconds complication powered by two separate mainspring barrels, allowing for the stop and start of the center seconds hand. The watch is housed in a 56 mm 18K gold 'à-goutte' case, which features an engraved monogram 'NE' on the back cover and is stamped with the Patek Philippe hallmark. It is reported to be in functional condition and retains original components, including the case and movement matching the serial number 27271.

Front view of the 1868 Patek Philippe pocket watch no. 27271 alongside its 2022 archival extract.
Front view of the 1868 Patek Philippe pocket watch no. 27271 alongside its 2022 archival extract. — Sammler-Uhren. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
sammler-uhren.com
Category
Pocket watch · Independent seconds pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1868
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
27271

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

Movement and Complication

The watch is powered by a specialized 20-ligne caliber featuring a lever escapement. A defining technical feature of this movement is its configuration with two independent mainspring barrels. This architecture supports the 'Seconde Morte' (deadbeat or independent seconds) complication, which allows the center seconds hand to be independently started and stopped by the wearer.

The mechanism is controlled by a pusher set into the case olive, which operates the starting and stopping functions of the independent seconds hand.

According to the accompanying archival records, this specific movement is numbered 27271, matching the case number.

Evidence for this section
  • “Ankerchronometer-Kaliber mit 2-Federhäusern, unabhängige anhaltbare Sekunde, auszulösen und anzuhalten durch den Drücker in der Olive”
  • “Werksnummer ebenfalls 27271.”
  • “Taschenuhren mit Second Morte und zwei Federhäusern hat Patek Philippe im 19. Jahrhundert nie serienmäßig hergestellt”

Case and Dial

The watch is encased in an 18K gold 'à-goutte' housing measuring 56 mm in diameter. The outer case back is engraved with the monogram 'NE', and the case interior bears the Patek Philippe hallmark and the serial number 27271.

The dial is crafted from enamel and features Roman numerals for the hour markers. The time and seconds are indicated by blued steel hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gehäusedurchmesser: 56 mm, ca. 167 g, 18K Gold à-goutte, extrem schwere Gehäuseausführung”
  • “Gehäuse mit Patek Philippe Punze und Seriennummer 27271”
  • “Perfekt erhaltenes Emaillezifferblatt, gebläuter Stahlzeiger, Rückdeckel mit Monogramm NE”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is accompanied by an extract from the Patek Philippe archives dated September 15, 2022. This document confirms the watch's identity as a pocket watch from 1868 with an independent seconds complication.

The archival extract states that the movement and case numbers are both 27271 and confirms the original specifications of the piece. The documentation serves to verify the authenticity and historical context of this watch as one of the experimental pieces produced by the firm in the late 1860s.

Evidence for this section
  • “Die Uhr wird mit dem Stammbuchauszug von 2022 geliefert, welcher die Originalität bestätigt.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific historical significance of the 'NE' monogram found on the case back?
  • How do the specific bridge configurations of this 1868 experimental movement differ from the later production run of 60 pieces?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Seconde Morte pocket watch no. 27271
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe“Patek Philippe”
Manufacturing Date1868“Mit nachgewiesenem Herstellungsjahr 1868 laut Archivauszug”
Case Material18K Gold“18K Gold à-goutte”
Case Diameter56 mm“Gehäusedurchmesser: 56 mm”
Movement TypeLever escapement with two barrels“Ankerchronometer-Kaliber mit 2-Federhäusern”
Archival DocumentationExtract from the Archives dated 2022“Die Uhr wird mit dem Stammbuchauszug von 2022 geliefert”

Visible details

  • Case diameter is 56 mm with 'à-goutte' design
  • Features independent seconds function operated by an olive-shaped pusher
  • Back cover engraved with the monogram 'NE'
  • Equipped with an enamel dial and blued steel hands

Research qualifications

  • The exact accuracy of the watch has not been tested
  • The total number of surviving experimental pieces is stated to be a maximum of five, based on manufacturer archives

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

Consulted source

PATEK PHILIPPE Taschenuhr Gold Seconde Morte 1868 Versuchsserie

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 1156208d63

Terms in this record

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