Patek Philippe

This pre-reference Patek Philippe is of the purest elegance. It is typical of the finest wristwatches made by the manufacture during the 1910’s and 20’s. Its dial is made in enamel and has painted black Breguet numerals, subsidiary seconds and outer minute rail track. It also has the distinctive "Victory" layout. The "V" dial has an underline under "Genève". If a thin line is drawn from the P of Patek to the underline and another one from the underline to the Cie, it creates a V, hence the name. These dials were produced from the early 1910’s and for about 15 years. It creates a pleasant perspective for the eyes, that converge from the top of the dial and are redirected to the center. The Breguet hands, also called “pommes creuses”, perfectly complement the style of the dial, which is further confirmed by the Extract from the Archives.

The case is called “bassine”, a characteristic also confirmed on the Extract, as it features a double hinged back comprising the caseback and the dust cover. Its round ribbed crown is typical of that era. Despite its understated overall appearance, the fancy lugs with fixed bars, that were later fitted, bring an extra appealing twist.

The dust cover has a particularly interesting engraving. Indeed, it confirms that the watch was made especially for José Anfruns from Barcelona. J. Anfruns was a master watchmaker retailing and repairing watches in the second part of the 19^th century and the early 20^th century. Less than a handful Patek Philippe are known to bear this very special engraving, the last one appeared over ten years ago on the international market. Interestingly, the two other examples have a similar Breguet Victory dial and a hinged back and cuvette. However, this piece is the earliest one as it was made in 1912 and sold in 1917, while the others were made and sold in the 1920’s.

While the overall design is very traditional, the fancy lugs typical of the 1940's bring a welcome twist and dynamic to the piece.

The combination of the Breguet dial and hands, round ribbed crown, bassine case, characteristics that can all be found on this watch, are considered as the most elegant ones and directly inspired special editions such as the Reference 3960 and, to a larger extend, References 5959 and 3939.