Usually when things are complicated, it means more stress, more work, and more effort, but in the end, it's worth it. The same holds true for vintage wristwatches, where gifted artisans and engineers from years gone by labored months to create complicated timepieces that transcend art and talent. When it comes to vintage wristwatches, the highest realms of respect and value are reserved for these watches that do much more than merely tell time.

Such is the case with this very special and complicated Patek Philippe split-second chronograph.

Before complicated watches were a luxury fashion statement, they were originally created for technical, sporting, and military uses, especially for racers, military officers, and anyone who demanded absolute precision in their timing. One of the rarest features on these vintage chronographs is the split-seconds or "rattrapante" function, a capability that allows the wearer to time two events concurrently using only one watch.

Our Patek Philippe is an early rattrapante, made before the turn of the 20th century for the prestigious Cincinnati, Ohio retail Duhme & Co. Founded by German born Herman Duhme in 1834, Duhme & Co eventually became the most prolific and prominent silver manufacturer in the Midwest. A local Cincinnati handbook proclaimed that the Duhme showroom was "one of finest jewelry salesrooms on the Continent... [with] a rich display of Gold Jewelry , besides a large quantity of Silver Goods."

The same handbook also purported that Duhme's firm was "known as the most extensive jewelers in the west."

This special watch is fully Patek Philippe and is double signed with matching case cuvette and serial numbers. It was made a couple of decades or so before signing the dial became commonplace.

It is in pleasing original condition. The case is honest and original with strong hinges. The inner cuvette has one dented area which can only be seen when the case back is opened. The outer case presents beautifully showcasing only fairly light wear.

Its dial is original and in just of short mint condition. Its wonderful movement (engine) is running strong and true.

It has just been fully serviced by a Master Watchmaker who specializes in Patek Philippe watches (a $1,795 value).

Included with the purchase is a one-year international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate attesting to its performance.

Accompanying the watch is its Patek Philippe fitted box and an Extract from the Patek Philippe Archives attesting to its authenticity and originality.

• Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Year built: c. 1890 - sold Oct. 28th of the same year.
• Serial no.: 80,966
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds, Split Second Chronograph
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 18K gold
• Case markings (cuvette): No. 80,966, Patek Philippe & Co., Geneve
• Case condition: The case is honest and original with strong hinges. The inner cuvette has one dented area which can only be seen when the case back is opened. The outer case presents beautifully showcasing only fairly light wear.
• Dimensions: 50mm diameter  
• Dial: White enamel with Roman numerals, outer minute track and Arabic five-minute numerals, subsidiary seconds, one very slightly cloudy area below 12 (difficult to see without magnification and only at just the right angle) just short of mint condition
• Hands: Original, blue steel "spades" with blue steel counterweighted seconds hands
• Movement type: Extremely high grade keyless pocket chronometer, rattrapante function, signed Patek Philippe, rhodium plated, straight line lever escapement, fausses cotes decoration, index regulator
• Movement markings: Patek Philippe & Co., Geneva, No. 80,966, Duhme & Co., Cincinnati, Ohio
• Crystal: Mineral glass, vintage, excellent condition
• Serviced: It has just been fully serviced by a Master Watchmaker who specializes in Patek Philippe watches (a $1,795 value).
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Patek Philippe fitted box; PAPERS - Extract from the Patek Philippe Archives; Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide