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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Split-seconds chronograph pocket watch

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Split-Seconds Pocket Watch with Sector Dial

Partially verified

This open-face split-seconds chronograph pocket watch by Patek Philippe is cased in yellow gold measuring 48 mm in diameter. An accompanying Extract from the Archives confirms production circa 1904. The watch is powered by a manual-wind 17-ligne caliber. The silvered sector dial features Arabic numerals, a subsidiary seconds track at 6 o'clock, and dual blued steel central hands alongside gilt hands. Reflecting the 1929 retail consolidation, the dial is signed Black, Starr & Gorham alongside Patek, Philippe & Cie, while the case is signed Spaulding Paris and the movement is signed Spaulding-Gorham.

Dial and front view of the Patek Philippe yellow gold split-seconds pocket watch
Dial and front view of the Patek Philippe yellow gold split-seconds pocket watch — Sotheby’s. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sothebys.com
Category
Pocket watch · Split-seconds chronograph pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
_patek-philippe-split-seconds-pw-with-se-f2f0
Source-reported date
circa 1904
Country
Switzerland

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

This split-seconds chronograph features a yellow gold open-face case measuring 48 mm in diameter. The configuration includes a fluted crown, an oval bow, and a chronograph push-piece located at the 11 o'clock position.

The case features a monogram on the back. The exterior shows general wear, though the engravings remain defined.

Evidence for this section
  • “Yellow gold open-face case with fluted crown, oval bow, and chronograph push-piece at 11 o'clock”
  • “Case: In good condition with the monogram on the back and the engravings still fairly well-defined. There is some wear visible with the naked eye throughout.”

Dial Characteristics

The watch features a silvered sector dial with Arabic numerals and concentric tracks, including fifths-of-a-second divisions. The handset consists of gilt hour and minute hands paired with central blued steel hands.

The dial condition is described as fair, with surface scratches, spotting, and localized staining most visible at the 6 and 12 o'clock positions. The dial is signed Black, Starr and Gorham.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silvered sector dial with concentric tracks, fifths-of-a-second divisions, and Arabic numerals”
  • “Gilt hour and minute hands paired with central blued steel hands”
  • “Dial: In fair condition with stained areas mainly visible at 6 and 12 o'clock, as well as some surface scratches and spotting.”
  • “the dial is signed Black, Starr and Gorham”

Mechanism and Provenance

The watch is powered by a manual-wind 17-ligne caliber. The movement is signed Spaulding-Gorham, and the case is signed Spaulding Paris.

An Extract from the Archives confirms the watch was produced circa 1904. The source notes that the Extract does not mention the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “the movement is signed Spaulding-Gorham”
  • “the case is signed Spaulding Paris”
  • “The Extract from the Archives mentions that the dial is not mentioned in their archives.”

Open research questions

  • What are the specific serial numbers of the case and movement?
  • What is the significance of the 'Spaulding Paris' case signature in relation to the Patek Philippe manufacture?
  • Are there records of Patek Philippe supplying blank or retailer-branded dials for the Black, Starr and Gorham entities during this period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Split-Seconds Pocket Watch with Sector Dial
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case MaterialYellow Gold“Case Material(s) Yellow Gold”
Case Size48 mm“Case Size (mm) 48”
Caliber17'''“Caliber 17'''”
ComplicationSplit-seconds Chronograph“Complication Split-seconds Chronograph”
Dial SignatureBlack, Starr and Gorham“the dial is signed Black, Starr and Gorham”
Movement SignatureSpaulding-Gorham“the movement is signed Spaulding-Gorham”
Production Estimatecirca 1904“circa 1904”

Visible details

  • Silvered sector dial with concentric tracks, fifths-of-a-second divisions, and Arabic numerals
  • Gilt hour and minute hands paired with central blued steel hands
  • Subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock showing localized surface staining and marks
  • Yellow gold open-face case with fluted crown, oval bow, and chronograph push-piece at 11 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • The source notes that the dial is not mentioned in the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives
  • The movement and interior case back are not pictured in the primary photograph

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

Consulted source

Patek Philippe Vintage A Yellow Gold Split-Seconds Pocket Watch With Sector Dial, Circa 1904 Available For Immediate Sale At Sotheby’s

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 1c785b4920

Terms in this record

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

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