A Fine, Early and Rare Gold Curved Hinged Tonneau Wristwatch, Patek Philippe & Co., Genève, Movement No. 163728, Case No. 285134, 1911

18k, circular gilt moustache lever movement, 17 jewels, bimetallic compensation balance, wolf's-tooth winding, precision regulator, silvered engine-turned dial, inner matte ring with stylized Arabic numerals, pierced blued steel hands, long tonneau case with screwed lugs, engraved monogram to the hinged back, case, dial and movement signed.  

Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of this watch in 1911 and its subsequent sale on September 9th, 1920.

The Extract mentions that the dial originated as engine-turned and that the case was made with the 'AV' monogram on the back.

This is a very early and unusual wristwatch. Patek Philippe began making wristwatches in this time period, but not in large numbers, as they were not yet fashionable nor popular. It was not until about 10 years later, after the end of the first World War, that wristwatches became desirable enough to put into full production.

One can presume that this movement was made in 1911 and it was only cased later, possibly close to the time of sale.

The present lot is an excellent example of how these early wristwatches had more decorative and fancy details than many of their successors. 

For an example of a watch with a similar dial and one with a similar case, see Huber & Banbery, Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. 2, Second Edition, p. 99, pls. 99 and 102.