2,250,500 CHF
Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, No 722708, case No 306210, Ref. 2523 HU (Heures Universelles). Made in 1953, sold on January 24, 1956. Extremely fine and extremely rare, "World Time", 18K yellow gold gentleman’s wristwatch with two crowns and polychrome cloisonné enamel dial representing the map of North America with 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle. Accompanied by the Extract from the Archives. Three-body, solid, polished and brushed, lapidated curved lugs. Matte silver revolving ring dial bearing the names of 41 places in the world, at the center, a polychrome cloisonné enamel medallion representing the map of North America with applied yellow gold baton indexes, concentric, revolving 24-hour dial for the nocturnal and diurnal hours. The winding-crown on the 3 adjusts the hours and the 24-hour ring; the winding-crown on the 9 turns the ring with the city names. Yellow gold "fancy" hands. Cal. 12’’’-400 HU, stamped with the Geneva quality hallmark, rhodium-plated, "fausses-côtes" decoration, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, shock-absorber, Breguet balance-spring, micrometer regulator. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 36 mm. Thickness 11 mm. Notes The dial and case of the present lot are excellent examples of a watch which has been worn and enjoyed throughout its life. At the owner’s request, the watch’s case and dial have never been restored. "World Time System". This system was invented around 1935 by Louis Cottier (18
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2006-04-02
