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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Certificat d'Origin et de Garantie stamped Hausmann & C, Roma, and Extract from the Archives confirming production of the movement of the present watch in 1898. It was encased in 1953 and sold on 20 November 1962.
The present reference 768 is one of the exceptionally rare clock watches made by Patek Philippe, its particularity emphasized by the fact that the famous house is known to have reserved the "Grande and Petite Sonnerie" mechanism exclusively for their ultra-complicated timepieces. In fact, it is logical that the small number of two-train clock watch ébauches available to Patek Philippe were usually upgraded with perpetual calendars, chronographs and other complications to satisfy the requests of the most demanding clientele, generally aiming for "Grande Complications".
Plain "time only" clock watches are exceedingly rare and we know of only one other simple clock watch featuring the ultra-rare carillon repeating and striking. This example, no. 197'791, was made for James Ward Packard and is today in one of the world's most important collections. The carillon repeating mechanism is a more complicated version than the regular minute repeating function, featuring at least three hammers and gongs instead of two, resulting in a more elaborate and sophisticated chime.
The massive and modern case of this reference 768 is a formidable completion to the ultra-complex mechanism, not only from an esthetical point of view but most importantly as an important acoustic transmitter for the chiming. In fact, the highly unusual case back featuring Patek Philippe's symbol, the Calatrava cross, surrounded by a raised rim and highlighted by a raised support, is a simple yet very clever solution to the eternal dilemma which watchmakers face in the construction of (small) repeating watches: physics impose that the size and shape of the soundboard determine the quality and volume of the sound. This reference 768 however can be placed on its back on a flat surface and, thanks to the sophisticated case back design, a cavity is created, beautifully promoting the sound of the gongs.
A most interesting detail is the fact that between its completion in 1953 and its sale in 1962, some nine years have passed. Given the extremely high level of exclusivity but also the hitherto unknown acoustic case back construction, one may reasonably conclude that this watch was not intended for immediate sale but may have enjoyed some years as an exhibition piece, demonstrating Patek Philippe's relentless appetite and know-how for innovation.
Never offered before at a public auction and without traces in literature, this "grande et petite sonnerie" clock watch is preserved in excellent original overall condition. The presence of the original certificate, a rarity by itself, enhances the overall appeal of the present horological masterpiece.
Without a doubt, this carillon clock watch deserves a place of honour in the collection of any aficionado of outstanding timepieces.
The present reference 768 is one of the exceptionally rare clock watches made by Patek Philippe, its particularity emphasized by the fact that the famous house is known to have reserved the "Grande and Petite Sonnerie" mechanism exclusively for their ultra-complicated timepieces. In fact, it is logical that the small number of two-train clock watch ébauches available to Patek Philippe were usually upgraded with perpetual calendars, chronographs and other complications to satisfy the requests of the most demanding clientele, generally aiming for "Grande Complications".
Plain "time only" clock watches are exceedingly rare and we know of only one other simple clock watch featuring the ultra-rare carillon repeating and striking. This example, no. 197'791, was made for James Ward Packard and is today in one of the world's most important collections. The carillon repeating mechanism is a more complicated version than the regular minute repeating function, featuring at least three hammers and gongs instead of two, resulting in a more elaborate and sophisticated chime.
The massive and modern case of this reference 768 is a formidable completion to the ultra-complex mechanism, not only from an esthetical point of view but most importantly as an important acoustic transmitter for the chiming. In fact, the highly unusual case back featuring Patek Philippe's symbol, the Calatrava cross, surrounded by a raised rim and highlighted by a raised support, is a simple yet very clever solution to the eternal dilemma which watchmakers face in the construction of (small) repeating watches: physics impose that the size and shape of the soundboard determine the quality and volume of the sound. This reference 768 however can be placed on its back on a flat surface and, thanks to the sophisticated case back design, a cavity is created, beautifully promoting the sound of the gongs.
A most interesting detail is the fact that between its completion in 1953 and its sale in 1962, some nine years have passed. Given the extremely high level of exclusivity but also the hitherto unknown acoustic case back construction, one may reasonably conclude that this watch was not intended for immediate sale but may have enjoyed some years as an exhibition piece, demonstrating Patek Philippe's relentless appetite and know-how for innovation.
Never offered before at a public auction and without traces in literature, this "grande et petite sonnerie" clock watch is preserved in excellent original overall condition. The presence of the original certificate, a rarity by itself, enhances the overall appeal of the present horological masterpiece.
Without a doubt, this carillon clock watch deserves a place of honour in the collection of any aficionado of outstanding timepieces.