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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Deck chronometer

Patek Philippe Silver Deck Chronometer

Partially verified

This Patek Philippe deck chronometer, produced circa 1911, is a precision timekeeping instrument featuring a 61mm bassine-style silver case. The watch is signed "Patek Philippe & Cie" and "Genève" on the silvered dial, which includes black Roman numerals, a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock, and a power reserve indicator calibrated in French ("Haut" and "Bas"). The movement is designated "Extra," a term denoting the manufacturer's higher grade of precision engineering, and includes a lever escapement. According to the auction description, the chronometer was acquired by the US Government in 1915 for use on a US Navy airship. The caseback bears the inscription "U.S. Navy." The piece is associated with the manufacturer's participation in chronometer timing trials held in 1912.

Front view of the Patek Philippe silver deck chronometer with power reserve indicator and seconds register.
Front view of the Patek Philippe silver deck chronometer with power reserve indicator and seconds register. — M.S. Rau. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
rauantiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Deck chronometer
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1911
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
170292

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 chronometer is housed in a 61mm bassine-style silver case. The external caseback is engraved with the mark "U.S. Navy," identifying its service history. The bow and crown are integrated into the top of the case structure.

The silvered dial displays black Roman numeral hour markers and a railroad-style minute track. A subsidiary seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position. The upper section of the dial features a power reserve indicator, with the scale marked in French as "Haut" for full and "Bas" for empty.

Evidence for this section
  • “The bassine-style case houses a silvered dial with bold Roman numerals in black.”
  • “Caseback marked “U.S. Navy””

Movement and Engineering

The internal mechanism is an "Extra" grade movement, which the source describes as a higher classification of precision engineering within the manufacturer's range. It is equipped with a lever escapement designed for high-accuracy timekeeping.

Visible features of the movement include circular graining and bridge plates secured by screws. The movement is engraved with the maker's name and the serial number 170292, matching the number found on the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement, designated "Extra" to denote Patek Philippe's high grade of precision engineering, incorporates a power reserve indicator and lever escapement.”

Provenance and Timing Trials

The manufacturer was active in timing contests during the early 20th century. This instrument is associated with the 1912 Chronometer timing trials, where it is suggested to have achieved second-prize honors.

In 1915, the US Government procured this instrument for use on a US Navy airship. Navigation on such vessels required multiple chronometers, and the auction records note the role of these devices in maintaining mechanical accuracy under various environmental conditions.

Evidence for this section
  • “The timepiece almost certainly garnered second-prize honors at the prestigious 1912 Chronometer timing trials”
  • “This particular chronometer's distinguished service continued when it was acquired by the US Government in 1915 for use aboard an airship of the US Navy”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific 1912 trial result record for movement 170292?
  • Is there extant US Navy procurement documentation verifying the assignment of this chronometer to a specific airship?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Silver Deck Chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe“Patek Philippe Silver Deck Chronometer”
Movement Serial Number170292“Movement No. 170292”
Case Serial Number273603“Case No. 273603”
Case Size61mm“Case: 61mm”
InscriptionsU.S. Navy“Caseback marked “U.S. Navy””
Movement GradeExtra“The movement, designated "Extra" to denote Patek Philippe's high grade of precision engineering”
Acquisition Date1915“acquired by the US Government in 1915”

Visible details

  • Case diameter is 61mm
  • Power reserve indicator on dial labeled HAUT/BAS
  • Caseback bears U.S. Navy engraving
  • Movement marked with serial number 170292

Research qualifications

  • The source states the watch "almost certainly" garnered second-prize honors at 1912 trials, which remains an unverified attribution.
  • The assertion that this specific chronometer was used on a US Navy airship relies on the provided auction description.

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

Consulted source

کرنومتر عرشه نقره‌ای Patek Philippe، حدود ۱۹۱۱

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 88cc267ba7

Terms in this record

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

Other deck chronometer records