PATEK PHILIPPE

• 10''' nickel lever movement, bi-metallic compensation balance, precision regulator, presentation inscription to the gold cuvette • white enamel dial, stylized Arabic numerals, outer minutes track, Louis XVI-style hands • 18k gold case with foliate chasing to bezel, the reverse with floral chasing and platinum fleur-de-lys ornamentation set with a single diamond • case, cuvette, movement and dial signed • with an associated gold diamond- and ruby-set pendant with floral motif

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1902 with chased work, applied platinum fleur-de-lys set with a single diamond and sale on June 30th of the following year.

The present lot is an excellent example of Patek Philippe's Art Nouveau ornamentation. Lady's pendant watches created during this period were often decorated with floral or foliate motifs in the curvilinear lines typical of the period.

The decoration for watches of this style were rarely repeated, and as such, these examples are frequently unique pieces. For an example depicting a poppy, see lot 168. 

It is interesting to note that the presentation inscription on the present lot indicates that this piece was originally given as a Christmas gift from a husband to his wife in 1903.

Similar lady's pendant watches with chasing to the case back and bezel are illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Pocket Watches, Vol. 1, Second Edition, pp. 136 and 142.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the present lot has been offered at auction.