Pocket Watches · Pocket watch
Patek Philippe & Co. Yellow Gold Pocket Watch, c. 1920
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe (maker)
- Date
- c. 1920
- Historical period
- Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking (1900 – 1945)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Pocket watch
- Materials / technique
- gold
- Dealer
- WatchMuseum.org shop
- Stock no.
- Product 4044
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, WatchMuseum.org shop (product 4044)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Patek Philippe & Co. Yellow Gold Pocket Watch (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 4044), this is a pocket watch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1920. 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. The record is illustrated with 5 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 & Co. Yellow Gold Pocket Watch, crafted circa 1920, stands as a quintessential embodiment of horological artistry and timeless elegance, making it a coveted piece for discerning collectors and watch enthusiasts alike. This exquisite timepiece showcases a manual movement encased within an 18K yellow gold case, meticulously monogrammed and signed by the esteemed Patek Philippe & Co., reflecting the brand’s commitment to unparalleled quality and prestige. With a case diameter of 44mm, it strikes a perfect balance between functionality and sophistication, suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions. The watch’s gold dial, adorned with Arabic numerals and complemented by a sub dial at the 6 o’clock position, exudes a classic charm, while the blued hands offer a striking contrast, ensuring effortless readability. Accompanied by its original certificate of origin and a fitted box, this pre-owned masterpiece not only retains its historical significance but also promises to be a cherished addition to any collection. The Patek Philippe pocket watch, with its exemplary craftsmanship and attention to detail, is more than just a timekeeping device; it is a testament to the enduring legacy of a brand synonymous with luxury and excellence, destined to be treasured as an heirloom for generations to come. This Patek Philippe & Co. pocket watch is a true treasure for watch collectors and enthusiasts. It features a manual movement and an 18K yellow gold case, which is monogrammed and signed by Patek Philippe & Co. The case measures 44mm in diameter, making it a great size for everyday use or special occasions. The pocket watch has a beautiful gold dial with Arabic numerals and a sub dial at the 6 o’clock position. The blued hands are a nice contrast to the gold dial, making it easy to read the time. This pocket watch is pre-owned but comes with the original certificate of origin and a fitted box, making it a perfect addition to any collection. This particular Patek Philippe pocket watch was manufactured around 1920, making it both a vintage and historically significant timepiece. The craftsmanship and attention to detail in this watch are exemplary of the brand’s quality and prestige. Overall, this pocket watch is a timeless classic that will make a valuable addition to any collection or an heirloom to pass down for generations. Creator: Patek Philippe Design: Pocket Watch Movement: Manual Wind Place of Origin: Switzerland Period: 1920-1929 Date of Manufacture: 1920 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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