Passions Watch Exchange

About This Watch

Antique. No box but has factory issued archive certificate indicating that the movement was made on April 1884 and sold without a case.

Like cars of the last century where automakers only produced the engine and chassis while clients choose coachmakers to body and trim their vehicles, it was also common practice for watch makers to supply only the movements to others so that they can case and sell it later to their clients.

Our Patek Philippe here dates back to the late 19th century with the movement made on 24 April 1885 and a very pretty engraving found on the inner dust cover says, "From Friends Feb. 28th 1902" A large and beautiful monogram with the initials of ACT is engraved onto the front hunter cover. The solid 18ct pink gold case has a strong sprung hinge for the hunting cover that protects the dial while the remaining rear hinges are tight and all covers close without gaps. The solid gold watch is heavy with a beautiful profile throughout. There are no hints or dents nor major scratches which shows that this watch was pampered throughout the last 130+yrs and the dial remains in flawless condition. This is very important for collectors.

The mainspring takes only 9-10 winds to full & runs slightly less than 30hrs. This watch is 134 yrs old.

Hunting cased Patek Philippe pockets watches are rare, we see only about one out of every 50 pieces. They are always a premium model over open face type simply due to a more complex case construction and extra gold weight so only the wealthier clients purchase them. The cover was also an essential part that protects the fragile face as the owner went for their sports activities which in the past always involved hunting in the wilderness, a favourite past time for the aristocrats.

This Patek Philippe has a contracted gold case for the American market hence our selling price reflects this but it is completely legitimate and shown on the factory archive.