PATEK PHILIPPE. A RARE 18K GOLD WORLD-TIME WRISTWATCH

SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE & CIE, GENEVE, NO. 176125, CIRCA 1939

Details

PATEK PHILIPPE. A RARE 18K GOLD WORLD-TIME WRISTWATCH
signed patek philippe & cie, geneve, no. 176125, circa 1939
10, with nickel-finished jewelled lever movement, bi-metallic compensation balance, precision regulator, the silvered matte dial with roman and baton numerals, concentric chapter ring calibrated for 24 hours divided into diurnal and nocturnal hours, with sun and moon indication, the circular case with claw lugs, rotating coin-edged bezel with 31 world cities, snap on back (no. 618821, ref. 1416), together with an 18K gold Patek Philippe buckle, case, dial and movement signed.
31 mm diam.

Literature

A similar watch is illustrated in Patek Philippe, by M. Huber and A. Banbery, page 188.

Lot Essay

The World-Time or Universal Hours complication is one of the most sought after in today's watch market. The design was invented by Louis Cottier (1894-1966) and used by several important watch manufactures, including Patek Philippe. The World-Time model was produced in several styles: tear dropped lugs, straight lugs, polychrome enamel dial and two crown setting system.
This particular rare timepiece is thought to be one of only three manufactured by Patek Philippe and has the unique character of "claw" lugs. Previously sold World-Time wristwatches at auction have been reference number 1415. Patek Philippe confirmed the production of this movement in 1913 which was finally cased around 1939 into a World- Time watch. The watch was sold 9 October, 1940.
Other World-Time wristwatch sold in this room are: