Lot Essay
Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present chronograph in 1879 and its subsequent sale on 24 May 1879.
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Inking Chronographs
The inking chronograph was invented by Nicolas-Mathieu Rieussec, watchmaker to King Louis Philippe of France, in 1821. It operates by means of a hand composed of two parts. The lower part is fitted with an ink bowl and the upper part with a thin needle which, when activated, compresses the lower part to release a trace of ink on the dial to give a visual read-out of the elapsed time.
It is interesting to note that the following two inking chronographs bear succeeding movement numbers and were both made in 1879 and sold on 24 May of the same year.
Patek Philippe. A fine silver openface inking chronograph
SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE & CO., GENEVE, NO. 58'199, MANUFACTURED IN 1879
Details
Patek Philippe. A fine silver openface inking chronograph
Signed Patek Philippe & Co., Geneve, no. 58'199, manufactured in 1879
Cal. 20''' gilt-finished keyless cylinder movement, the white enamel dial calibrated for 60 seconds with Arabic numerals, large central hand with ink bowl and discharging pointer, subsidiary dial for 60 minutes recorder, in circular silver case with snap on back, the ink discharged by depressing the right button in the band, chronograph activated/stopped by depressing the left button in the band, case numbered, dial signed
57 mm. diam.
Signed Patek Philippe & Co., Geneve, no. 58'199, manufactured in 1879
Cal. 20''' gilt-finished keyless cylinder movement, the white enamel dial calibrated for 60 seconds with Arabic numerals, large central hand with ink bowl and discharging pointer, subsidiary dial for 60 minutes recorder, in circular silver case with snap on back, the ink discharged by depressing the right button in the band, chronograph activated/stopped by depressing the left button in the band, case numbered, dial signed
57 mm. diam.