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Lot Essay
Starting in the mid-19th century, early in its history, Patek Philippe competed to make the smallest watches ever made and its most miniscule example had a diameter of only 9.023 mm (4 lignes) and was exhibited at the London World Exhibition in 1851 (see Patek Philippe Pocketwatches by M. Huber & A. Banbery, p. 106, pl. 13). The second smallest example featuring a keyless 5 lignes cylinder movement was manufactured in 1893 and numbered 97'332. The possibly third smallest example with a keyless 6 lignes lever movement no. 97'364, manufactured in 1893, was sold at Christie’s on 18 May 2004 for SFr. 59,750 (lot 87).
The presently offered watch is 24 mm (9 lignes) and was among the smallest pocket watches made by Patek Philippe in the early 20th century. Identical in every watch to a seemingly massive regular size pocket watches, these micro-mechanical wonders were considered functional novelties at the time and used by both men and women.
The presently offered watch is 24 mm (9 lignes) and was among the smallest pocket watches made by Patek Philippe in the early 20th century. Identical in every watch to a seemingly massive regular size pocket watches, these micro-mechanical wonders were considered functional novelties at the time and used by both men and women.