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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Singing bird automaton clock

Patek Philippe Singing Bird Box with Clock

Partially verified

This singing bird box in sterling silver and enamel integrates a timekeeping component with an automaton mechanism. The exterior features blue and black Keltic-style enamel decoration, with a central enameled scene of Lake Geneva positioned on the top cover. Measuring approximately 102mm by 65mm by 30mm, the box houses a singing bird automaton created by Bruguier. A key-wind and key-set watch movement is integrated into the front panel of the box, featuring a white porcelain enamel dial with black Roman numerals. The object is signed by Patek Philippe on the reverse side of the front panel and includes a concealed compartment intended for the winding key. According to Patek Philippe records, twelve such singing bird boxes were produced, with this example accompanied by an original Patek Philippe Extract From The Archives confirming its 1866 production date and 1870 sale.

View of the singing bird automaton and the integrated clock dial on the front panel of the box.
View of the singing bird automaton and the integrated clock dial on the front panel of the box. — Luxe Auctioneers (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Singing bird automaton clock
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
155
Source-reported date
1866
Source-reported place
Not established

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

Construction and Decoration

The box is constructed from sterling silver and finished with blue and black enamel in what is described as a Keltic-style design. The top lid serves as a cover for the automaton, featuring an enameled depiction of Lake Geneva at its center. The overall dimensions are approximately 102mm by 65mm by 30mm.

The singing bird mechanism, identified as the work of Bruguier, is positioned within the main body of the box. The timekeeping element, a watch movement, is set into the front panel, providing a combined decorative and functional purpose.

Evidence for this section
  • “This example has blue and black Keltic style enamel decoration.”
  • “The top of the box has a finely enameled Lake Geneva scene in the center.”
  • “The singing bird automaton was made by Bruguier and is fitted with a keywind and key set watch movement set into the front of the box.”

Timekeeping Mechanism

The timepiece is a key-wind, key-set watch movement, which is integrated into the front of the box. It features a white porcelain enamel dial with black Roman numerals. The box is signed by Patek Philippe on the back of the front panel.

According to the auction description, the movement is running, although its accuracy and power reserve were not tested. The lot includes an original Patek Philippe Extract From The Archives which confirms the production date as 1866 and the original sale date as 1870.

Evidence for this section
  • “The box was made in 1866 and was originally sold in 1870.”
  • “The box is signed Patek Philippe on the back of the front panel”
  • “Dial: White porcelain enamel with Black Roman niumerals”

Provenance and Rarity

Patek Philippe records indicate that only twelve examples of this singing bird box were produced. Of these, eight are known to exist currently, with four being held in the collection of the Patek Philippe Museum.

The box is accompanied by an original Extract From The Archives provided by Patek Philippe, which serves as the primary source for the production and sale history of this specific object.

Evidence for this section
  • “Patek Philippe records indicate that only 12 singing bird boxes were produced and only 8 are known to exist today with 4 of the known examples in the Patek Philippe Museum.”
  • “The box comes with the original Patek Philippe Extract From The Archives.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific relationship between Patek Philippe and the Bruguier workshop regarding the production of these singing bird boxes?
  • Does the current serial number match the specifications listed in the Patek Philippe Archives?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Singing Bird Box with Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe“Patek Philippe”
Automaton MakerBruguier“The singing bird automaton was made by Bruguier”
Production Year1866“The box was made in 1866”
Dimensions102mm x 65mm x 30mm“The box measures approx. 102mm x 65mm x 30mm”
DecorationKeltic style enamel“This example has blue and black Keltic style enamel decoration.”
Signature LocationBack of front panel“The box is signed Patek Philippe on the back of the front panel”
RarityOne of twelve produced“Patek Philippe records indicate that only 12 singing bird boxes were produced”

Visible details

  • Blue and black Keltic style enamel patterns across the box exterior
  • White porcelain enamel dial with black Roman numerals on the front panel
  • Singing bird automaton mechanism beneath a hinged lid
  • Concealed storage compartment for the winding key

Research qualifications

  • Full mechanical integrity of the watch movement not guaranteed
  • Completeness of original components unverified by the auction house

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

Consulted source

PATEK PHILIPPE SINGING BIRD BOX WITH CLOCK IN STERLING SILVER AND ENAMEL

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 4880318959

Terms in this record

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