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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with enamel dial, dauphine hour markers and monogram F.R.C. in blue and red enamel on the back in 1900 and its subsequent sale on 11 December 1900.
Made in 1900, year of introduction of Patek Philippe's trip minute repeating watches, this early example of such complex timepiece is preserved in very good, original overall condition. It was made for Frank R. Caldwell, his blue and red enameled initials to the case back confirmed by the Extract from the Archives, and sold by Patek Philippe's retailer Henry J. Howe in Syracuse, New York. Of unusually large size, it is believed to be one of only five examples of such trip minute repeater fitted with a 19''' movement, as opposed to the more common 17''' or 18''', known to exist to date. It is furthermore the only one personalized for Frank R. Caldwell.
Its 19''' movement features the rare and desirable tandem wound two train mechanism, one for the going and one for the repeating work. Traditionally, the repeating mechanism of a watch is activated by pushing a slide in the case band, thus winding and releasing it at the same time. The train of a trip repeater is wound in conjunction with the going train and released at will through a button in the crown. The advantages of this system are the clean lines of the case, the enhanced dust resistance and most importantly permitting the owner the activation of the repeat train many times at will from only one winding.
This early example of a trip minute repeater is preserved in very good, original overall condition. It was made for Frank R. Caldwell, his blue and red enameled initials to the case back confirmed by the Extract from the Archives, and sold by Patek Philippe's retailer Henry J. Howe in Syracuse, New York.
Made in 1900, year of introduction of Patek Philippe's trip minute repeating watches, this early example of such complex timepiece is preserved in very good, original overall condition. It was made for Frank R. Caldwell, his blue and red enameled initials to the case back confirmed by the Extract from the Archives, and sold by Patek Philippe's retailer Henry J. Howe in Syracuse, New York. Of unusually large size, it is believed to be one of only five examples of such trip minute repeater fitted with a 19''' movement, as opposed to the more common 17''' or 18''', known to exist to date. It is furthermore the only one personalized for Frank R. Caldwell.
Its 19''' movement features the rare and desirable tandem wound two train mechanism, one for the going and one for the repeating work. Traditionally, the repeating mechanism of a watch is activated by pushing a slide in the case band, thus winding and releasing it at the same time. The train of a trip repeater is wound in conjunction with the going train and released at will through a button in the crown. The advantages of this system are the clean lines of the case, the enhanced dust resistance and most importantly permitting the owner the activation of the repeat train many times at will from only one winding.
This early example of a trip minute repeater is preserved in very good, original overall condition. It was made for Frank R. Caldwell, his blue and red enameled initials to the case back confirmed by the Extract from the Archives, and sold by Patek Philippe's retailer Henry J. Howe in Syracuse, New York.