MANUFACTURED IN: 1882
CASE MATERIAL: Silver and 14K gold plated
CASE SIZE: 38.3 mm. diam.
DIAL: Enamel
MOVEMENT: Manual, keywound
FUNCTIONS: Time only
WITH: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with cylinder escapement, hunter case, silver and 14K yellow gold plated, enamel dial, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds, case covers with flower ornaments and angel in 1882 and its subsequent sale on 30 July 1885

+ This lot is subject to standard Swiss VAT rules and 7.7% VAT will be charged on the ‘hammer’ and the ‘buyer’s premium’

This lot is subject to standard Swiss VAT rules and 7.7% VAT will be charged on the ‘hammer’ and the ‘buyer’s premium’

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Lot Essay

A fascinating rarity for collectors, this highly attractive, possibly unique silver and 14K gold-plated watch is one of the exceedingly rare examples of such watch to appear in public to date.

The decoration of the case is of major interest in both the history of Patek Philippe and the study of 19th century metalworking techniques. The front and back are finely engraved and partly gilded with the process of silver gilding, all confirmed by the Extract from the Archives.

This decorative process was rarely used even at the time and creates an illusion of depth. It was done by first protecting the background, then gilding by chemical oxidation to leave the gilded highlights.

A watch decorated with the same technique is illustrated in: Patek Philippe Watches, Vol.1, Patek Philippe Museum, 2013, p. 129.