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Patek Philippe 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch with Enamel Dial, 1900 — view 1 of 6
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Pocket Watches · Pocket watch

Patek Philippe 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch with Enamel Dial, 1900

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe (maker)
Date
1900
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Pocket watch
Materials / technique
gold, enamel
Stock no.
Product 4189
Credit line
Dealer listing, WatchMuseum.org shop (product 4189)
Catalogue title (original)
Patek Philippe 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch with Enamel Dial (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by WatchMuseum.org shop (stock number Product 4189), this is a pocket watch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated 1900. The Atlas places it in the Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking period (1900 – 1945) of its Pocket Watches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold, enamel. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

The Patek Philippe 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch with Enamel Dial is a masterful creation from one of the most esteemed names in horology, Patek Philippe et Cie. Crafted in 1900 and sold in 1916, this ladies’ pendant watch is a testament to timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. Encased in luxurious 18kt yellow gold, the watch boasts a 34mm diameter, striking the perfect balance between sophistication and wearability. Its manually wound movement, adorned with 15 jewels, ensures longevity and precision, while the exquisite enamel dial, featuring Arabic numerals and blued steel hands, elevates its aesthetic appeal. This remarkable timepiece not only highlights the intricate dynamics of the early 20th-century watchmaking industry but also underscores Patek Philippe’s enduring legacy of quality and innovation. Accompanied by an archival document authenticating its rich history and provenance, this pendant watch is a rare find that will undoubtedly be a cherished addition to any discerning collector’s ensemble. Its impeccable condition and historical significance make it a standout piece that embodies both elegance and heritage. This exquisite ladies pendant watch hails from the prestigious watchmaker Patek Philippe et Cie and features a timeless 18kt yellow gold casing. The style reference is a Pendant Style, and it was sold initially in 1916, despite being crafted in 1900. The diameter measures 34mm, offering a perfect size for a watch of this caliber. The manually wound movement contains 15 jewels and is efficiently designed for long-lasting use. The standout feature, however, has to be the beautiful enamel dial with Arabic numerals, accentuated by blued steel hands. This watch is truly unique in its design and will undoubtedly be a treasured asset for any collector or enthusiast. It is fascinating to learn that this ladies’ pendant watch went unsold for sixteen years after its manufacture, reflecting the complexity of the watchmaking industry’s supply and demand dynamics. Patek Philippe et Cie’s enduring legacy attests to their exceptional craftsmanship and unwavering standards, making this watch all the more remarkable. This pendant watch also comes with an archival document that authenticates its history and provenance. With its elegant design and historical significance, this pendant watch is a timeless piece that will hold pride of place in any collection. Creator: Patek Philippe Movement: Manual Wind Place of Origin: Switzerland Period: 1900-1909 Date of Manufacture: 1900 Condition: Excellent

Historical context

Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking (1900 – 1945)

The wristwatch displaces the pocket watch; waterproof cases, self-winding and grand complications.

The pocket watch reached technical maturity and then began to give way to the wristwatch after the First World War. Complicated watches for collectors such as Henry Graves Jr. and James Ward Packard, railroad watches, and slim Art Deco dress watches are characteristic.

Read the period in the timelineMore pocket watches from this periodEarlier: Industrial Revolution

Atlas type guide

Pocket watches

The pocket watch was the dominant personal timekeeper from the late seventeenth century until the First World War. Its development tracks the history of the escapement: verge watches with fusees until the late eighteenth century; Thomas Mudge's lever escapement (c. 1755) and the cylinder escapement popularised by George Graham and later by Swiss makers; and the Swiss and English lever watches of the nineteenth century. Lépine's bar-bridge calibre and keyless winding made watches thinner and easier to use.

Industrialisation transformed the trade: American factories such as Waltham (from 1850) and Elgin produced interchangeable parts by machine, and Swiss makers responded with their own mechanisation after the 1876 Philadelphia Exhibition. By 1900 a reliable watch was affordable to millions; the finest makers continued to produce complications and precision watches.

What to look for

  • The escapement: verge (crown wheel), cylinder, duplex, English or Swiss lever.
  • Key winding (a square arbor in dial or back) or keyless crown winding.
  • Signatures and serial numbers on the movement, dial and inside case back.
  • Hallmarks, case maker's marks and gold or silver standards stamped in the case.
  • Dial material: enamel, silver, gold, later printed metal.

Dating clues

  • Verge watches dominate before c. 1800; cylinder watches c. 1770–1900; lever watches after c. 1820.
  • Keyless winding: increasingly common after c. 1860.
  • Manufacturer serial number lists exist for Waltham, Elgin, Longines, Omega, Patek Philippe and others.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Read next:Verge escapementDetached lever escapementFuseeIdentification Centre

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