A stunning 1886 Patek Philippe pocket watch in incredible original condition in fantastic working condition. This stunning early piece from Patek comes complete with it's original box which is almost completely unheard of in pieces of this age and really is a wonderful antique in itself. The piece also comes with an extract from the Patek Philippe archives.

The case is solid 18k rose gold, in fantastic condition. Opening the first rear cover reveals both the hallmarks on the inside cover and a beautiful engraving on the next. The engraving on this cover reads:

A.H.Rodanet
Constructeur de Chronometres
36 Rue Vivienne
No.74*** montre de Patek, Philippe & Co Genéve

‍The engraving is beautiful and very ornate and still remains in impeccable condition. Opening the final cover reveals the stunning lever escapement original movement, which is in pristine condition. It's chamfered edges are crisp and gleaming, and the movement is finished to the very highest of standards, as you would expect from Patek. The piece is in incredible mechanical condition, well serviced and keeping great time, rather amazing really for a 132 year old watch.

The front of the watch reveals a lovely open, glass fronted case, which gives a nice clear view to the lovely original enamel dial. This piece has been very well looked after and incredibly, there is not a single crack to the original enamel. The lovely roman numerals and Patek, Philippe and Cie signed dial look immaculate and are framed well by the incredibly ornate hand carved, solid 18k gold hands. They are incredible and just demonstrate exactly why Patek Philippe were/are the very best.

As mentioned, rather amazingly the piece comes with it's original case, which is in fantastic, original condition. Really this is testament to how little this watch has been used and how well it has been kept in it's 132 years on the planet. It is virtually unheard of to see pieces of such age with their original boxes, and not to have been lost at some point along the way. It is a beautiful thing in it's own right and a very special addition to the piece.

The piece also comes complete with an Extract from the Patek Philippe archives, providing some lovely provenance and details to the piece, and completing a fantastic set.

The piece is in truly fantastic condition as can been seen in the pictures. Naturally being a 132 year old piece, if you were to comb the piece with a fine toothed comb you will find small signs of wear etc, but it is fair to say that you won't find a better example anywhere, it truly is lovely!

The piece measures approximetly 34mm diameter or 43mm including the crown but not including the ring for a chain to be attached.

A.H. Rodanet was the retailer of this beautiful piece. His full name was Auguste Hilaire Rodanet, son of Julien Hilaire Rodanet, a very famous watchmaker in France. August was an incredible watchmaker himself, winning awards for his Chronometer designs. He was Patek Philippe's representative and retailer in France due to his expertise in the area; he was consider amongst the very best authorities in watchmaking and clients of similar pieces include Gustav Eiffel, designer of the Eiffel Tower. Rather nicely, in 1886, the year this watch was produced, Auguste wrote a book on Horologie called "L'horlogerie astronomique et civile. Ses usages - ses progrès - son enseignement à Paris" or in English, loosely translated, "Astronomical and civil watchmaking, its uses - its progress - its teaching in Paris". This watch was therefore sold by him, whilst he was creating said book.

Brand: Patek Philippe

Model: Louis XV Pocket Watch

Reference:

Year: 1886

Movement: Manual Wind

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Box/Papers: Original Box and Extract from the Archive Papers