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Lot Essay
This watch represents the state of the art in watch manufacturing from the heyday of complicated and ultra-complicated timepieces. Uniting two main complications established at that time, the split seconds chronograph for timing purposes and the distinct minute repeating for acoustic time reading, it is furthermore enhanced by its superior quality, the large-size case and its excellent overall condition. The engraved monogram "F.A.M" to the case back is confirmed by both the original Certificate and the Extract from the Archives.
The presence of the hunter case is another rare feature of this fine timepiece. In fact, very few Patek Philippe minute repeating split seconds chronographs were made with this version, the majority being openfaced. The movement is, as expected, of superb quality, and in common with most complicated Patek Philippe watches of the period, the ébauche would have been supplied by Victorin Piguet & Fils. During the first half of the 20th century, the renowned firm supplied most of the ébauches for complicated movements, including tourbillons, single button and split seconds chronographs, repeaters and perpetual calendars, exclusively to prestigious firms like Patek Philippe and Breguet.
Patek Philippe launched the production of minute repeating split seconds chronograph in the late 1870s. The combination of these two complications became one of the firm’s specialities, a large number of the production was sold to the North American market.
Two very similar watches (movement no. 80’294 & no. 90’455) are in the collection of the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva. Both are illustrated and described in: Patek Philippe Watches Vol. 1, Patek Philippe Museum, 2013, pp. 358-359.
The presence of the hunter case is another rare feature of this fine timepiece. In fact, very few Patek Philippe minute repeating split seconds chronographs were made with this version, the majority being openfaced. The movement is, as expected, of superb quality, and in common with most complicated Patek Philippe watches of the period, the ébauche would have been supplied by Victorin Piguet & Fils. During the first half of the 20th century, the renowned firm supplied most of the ébauches for complicated movements, including tourbillons, single button and split seconds chronographs, repeaters and perpetual calendars, exclusively to prestigious firms like Patek Philippe and Breguet.
Patek Philippe launched the production of minute repeating split seconds chronograph in the late 1870s. The combination of these two complications became one of the firm’s specialities, a large number of the production was sold to the North American market.
Two very similar watches (movement no. 80’294 & no. 90’455) are in the collection of the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva. Both are illustrated and described in: Patek Philippe Watches Vol. 1, Patek Philippe Museum, 2013, pp. 358-359.