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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Open-Faced Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 18k yellow gold open-faced pocket watch is attributed by the source to Patek Philippe and dated to circa 1892. Measuring 41 mm in diameter, the timepiece features a white enamel dial bearing the personalized signature 'Louis Bénassy GENÈVE' rather than the traditional manufacture name. The dial displays black Roman hour numerals, red outer Arabic five-minute markers, and blued steel poire hands. Powered by a manual-winding jeweled movement repeating the last three digits of the case number, its case incorporates a hinged back and cuvette inscribed 'Louis Bénassy 1892'.

Dial and front view of the 18k yellow gold open-faced pocket watch signed Louis Bénassy
Dial and front view of the 18k yellow gold open-faced pocket watch signed Louis Bénassy — Sotheby's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sothebys.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
383
Source-reported date
Circa 1892
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
34581

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 Exterior

The watch features an 18k yellow gold open-faced case measuring 41 mm in diameter. The construction includes a hinged case back and an internal hinged cuvette, which is engraved 'Louis Bénassy 1892'.

The timepiece includes a fluted winding crown and a rounded bow at 12 o'clock. A hinge protrusion is present on the case rim.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: 18k yellow gold, hinged cuvette and back”
  • “Dimensions: 41 mm”
  • “The cuvette of the watch is engraved 'Louis Bénassy 1892'.”

Dial Configuration

The dial is composed of white enamel and bears the signature 'Louis Bénassy GENÈVE' rather than the manufacturer's name.

The display features black Roman numeral hour markers and red outer five-minute Arabic numerals, with time indicated by blued steel poire-style hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial personalized with 'Louis Bénassy GENÈVE'”
  • “Black Roman numeral hour markers with red outer five-minute Arabic numerals”
  • “Blued steel poire-style hour and minute hands”

Mechanism and Documentation

The watch is powered by a manual-winding, jeweled movement numbered 2474, 581. The three last digits of the case number are repeated on the movement, which is described as including wolf-tooth wheels.

An Extract from the Archives could not be delivered for the watch as it was not recorded in the manufacturer's archives.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement number: 2474, 581”
  • “the three last digits of the case numbers are repeated on the movement”
  • “Since the work was not recorded, an Extract from the Archives could not be delivered for the watch.”

Open research questions

  • What specific archival or family records substantiate the attribution to Patek Philippe in the absence of a factory record?
  • Does the movement calibre display structural features consistent with verifiable Patek Philippe movements from circa 1892?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Open-Faced Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18k yellow gold“Case: 18k yellow gold, hinged cuvette and back”
Case Number34'581“Case number: 34'581”
Movement Number2474, 581“Movement number: 2474, 581”
Dimensions41 mm“Dimensions: 41 mm”
Cuvette InscriptionLouis Bénassy 1892“The cuvette of the watch is engraved 'Louis Bénassy 1892'.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial personalized with 'Louis Bénassy GENÈVE'
  • Black Roman numeral hour markers with red outer five-minute Arabic numerals
  • Blued steel poire-style hour and minute hands
  • Yellow gold polished bezel with fluted crown and rounded bow at 12 o'clock
  • Small hinge protrusion visible along the case rim

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement and engraved cuvette are not visible in the primary photograph
  • An Extract from the Archives could not be delivered as the work was not recorded in Patek Philippe records

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

Consulted source

Patek Philippe | Montre de poche en or jaune | Yellow gold open-faced

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 801a67cadf

Terms in this record

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

Other open-faced pocket watch records