Details
CIRCA: 1883
CASE MATERIAL: Silver
CASE DIAMETER: 48mm
DIAL: Enamel
MOVEMENT: Manual
FUNCTIONS: Time only
CALIBER: 18'''
ACCESSORIES: Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture date of 1883 and sale date of October 12, 1883
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Lot Essay

This rare watch uses a very unusual stem winding system, invented by O. Courvoisier, English patent No. 1114 of 1873. The Courvoisier system was evidently used by Patek Philippe as an experiment in an exceedingly small number of watches. The system works by the shifting of a large wheel which engages with a further wheel on the center wheel arbor for hand-setting when the crown is turned anti-clockwise, when the crown is turned clockwise the wheel disengages and winds the mainspring. Two other examples, including watch no. 55948 sold to Prince Ghika of Albania on 1 March 1884, are illustrated in Patek Philippe by M. Huber & A. Banbery, p. 122, pl. 43 & 44.

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