83 Patek Philippe Very Early and Unusual Tonneau Shape Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, With Silver Guillochè Patina Dial

Estimate: €8,000 –⁠ 15,000

Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 1916
Case N°: 183874
Caliber: 10″
Movement type: Manual
Movement N°: 183874
Bracelet: Yellow Gold
Dimensions: 25x35mm
Signed: Dial, case and movement
Accessories: Extract from the archives

With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1916 and its subsequent sale on 31 January 1920.
The first Great Depression that raged in Europe and even branched out as far as America at the end of the XIX° century put an end to over twenty-year of economic growth due to the second industrial revolution. In those years, despite being a brand already widely established, it was inevitable that Patek Philippe was also hit from this serious crisis. Sales declined and even its big loyal customers, suffering financially from the crisis, could no longer keep up with payments on their purchases. The strength of Patek, like that of some other historic brands, was that of not being overcome by these difficulties and indeed they represented an incentive to improve Patek’s production and to try to extend its markets. North America and especially the South were explored with surprising results. During the following years also the Patek creations underwent changes, with the master watchmakers who began to explore new forms of their watches by giving birth to models like the offered lot here. This case, entirely made of yellow gold, is one of the first models with the unusual tonneau shape, hinged back, screwed bars and shaped crystal and is preserved in very spectacular conditions. It is the case number 4 of this prodution. The bracelet with thin mesh totally contrasts with the massive watch case. The dial is simply beautiful for its attention to every detail, such as the guillochè decoration that recalls the wave effect of the sea and gradually decreases in size as it approaches the center of the watch. The closed small track and the large numbers in black acrylic complete, together with the blue steel hands, the entire composition. A sublime creation, witness of the overcoming of a complicated world phase, this watch is an absolute gem for rarity and conservation.