Patek Philippe

The present Patek Philippe reference 840 chronograph pocket watch in stainless steel, distinguished by its highly attractive black dial, represents a rare execution of the manufacture’s waterproof chronograph pocket watches.

According to current scholarship, only between 30 and 36 examples of this reference were produced, making the present watch an exceptionally scarce survivor within Patek Philippe’s historical production. The robust stainless-steel case was manufactured by Jean Vallon, a renowned master casemaker based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, and is fitted with a screw-down case back, a technically advanced feature for the period, conceived to ensure enhanced water resistance.

Of particular interest, the present example displays a long dial signature, a detail that was subsequently replaced in later production by a shorter signature, further reinforcing the early and highly collectible character of this watch. Produced by Patek Philippe, reference 840 stands today as a landmark of functional design and technical innovation in the history of the Geneva manufacture.