Signed Patek, Philippe & Cie., Genève, movement no. 178’437, case no. 282’289, manufactured in 1913

Consigned by the family of the original owner and offered for the first time at auction, the present watch can be described as exceptional on every level, showcasing Swiss watchmaking at its very best. Not only is it a First Prize winning lever chronometer regulated by one of Patek Philippe’s “star” régleurs, it is also of wonderfully large size and beautifully preserved in almost untouched condition. The white enamel dial with Breguet numerals is simply stunning as is the movement of this top-flight high precision watch. Furthermore, it is accompanied by the original numbered fitted box.

Very few Patek Philippe watches are designated “Extra”, the present watch is one of those rarified pieces. Only superb watches of the highest chronometer standard were inscribed this way. The movement with ébauche probably by LeCoultre & Cie and Victorin Piguet & Cie., was made specifically with the aim of achieving the highest precision possible, hence the use of a Guillaume balance with gold and platinum timing and temperature adjustment screws. Furthermore, this watch was personally adjusted by the master régleur C. Batifolier who was famous for his many successes at the Observatory chronometer trials. No less than eight lever chronometers in the collection of the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva are Observatory prize-winning watches adjusted by Batifolier. The régleurs or adjusters were the highest paid workers in the watch industry because success in Observatory trials directly conferred reputation and prestige on the brand and therefore greater commercial success.

According to the Extract from the Archives from Patek Philippe and the Geneva Observatory, the present watch was awarded First Prize during the chronometer pocket watch contest in 1914 with 829 points out of a total of 1000. The chronometer no. 178'437, the present watch, was rated 5th out of the 93 watches tested.

Patek Philippe movements when destined for participation in Observatory Timing Contests were, like the present watch, engraved with the movement number twice. The inscription "Extra" on the bridge of the movement refers to the very high finishing of all the parts of the movement and the use of the Guillaume balance with gold and platinum screws and diamond endstone.

A watch with similar 22’’’ movement of the same layout is in the Patek Philippe Museum, Geneva, see: Patek Philippe Watches Vol. II, Patek Philippe Museum 2013, p. 47.