MANUFACTURED IN: 1893
CASE MATERIAL: 18K gold and enamel
DIAMETER: 33 mm. diam.
DIAL: Enamel, Breguet numerals
MOVEMENT: Manual, keyless
FUNCTIONS: Time only
CALIBER: 12'''
WITH: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the manufacture of the present watch in 1893 with enamel dial and Breguet numerals and its subsequent sale on 25 February 1899. The Extract further states that the ornament in relief and enamel on the case back was done by the client. Also delivered with a letter from Patek Philippe dated 12 July 1971 confirming the dates of manufacture and sale and stating that the watch was sold to Maison Wolfers Frères for the sum of 375 Francs.

+ This lot is subject to standard Swiss VAT rules and 7.7% VAT will be charged on the ‘hammer’ and the ‘buyer’s premium’

This lot is subject to standard Swiss VAT rules and 7.7% VAT will be charged on the ‘hammer’ and the ‘buyer’s premium’

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Lot Essay

This beautiful and fascinating Art Nouveau pendant watch was consigned by a private collector and has never been offered in public before. It is accompanied by a letter from Patek Philippe dated 1971 confirming that in 1899 it was originally sold to Maison Wolfers Frères, one of the greatest Art Nouveau jewellers of the period, established in Bruxelles, Belgium, in 1812.

The Extract from the Archives further states that ‘case back, ornament in relief and enamel painting done by the client’. This is significant, as it suggests that the case was decorated by Philippe Wolfers (1858-1929) who, like his French counterpart Rene Lalique, was one of the great exponents of the Art Nouveau style in jewellery.

As an important Art Nouveau work of art, the present watch combines the talents of the great watch manufacturer Patek Philippe and the most prestigious of the Art Nouveau jewellers working in Belgium, Wolfers Frères.

Examples of beautiful Philippe Wolfers jewellery from this period can now be found in important private and public collections including London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.