Following after our exceptional Vacheron & Constantin watch made in book form and continuing on the same theme of objects of virtue, today's auction showcases this exceedingly fine and rare Patek miniature pendant watch.

Much more than just a watch, it is a surviving work of elite human artistry, created at a moment in history when Patek Philippe accepted commissions from the most refined and powerful patrons.

During the late 19th century, Patek Philippe produced very few pendant watches of this caliber, and fewer still that crossed fully into the realm of object de vertu. These were not catalog items. They were not produced in runs. Pieces like this were usually either bespoke commissions or special-order creations reserved for clients whose wealth, social standing, and cultural sophistication justified the involvement of multiple elite craftsmen working over extended periods of time.

Its stunningly beautiful 18K gold case with softly rendered waterside scene alone represents weeks of hand labour. On the back, a tranquil waterside landscape emerges in enamel - fine reeds, quiet water, and a softened horizon rendered with a painter’s patience rather than a jeweler’s urgency. The scene is gently held within a border of red enamel and small diamonds, which lend a subtle glow without disturbing the stillness of the composition. Placed not for ostentation, but for balance the diamonds are a quiet declaration of wealth so assured it does not need to announce itself. The result is closer to a miniature painting set in gold than a timepiece.

Our photos couldn't do it justice.

The adorned rear was painstakingly hand-painted in polychrome enamel - a fragile, irreversible process requiring extraordinary skill. Each color is fired separately in a kiln, with no margin for error; a single flaw would destroy days or weeks of work. Enamellers capable of this level of execution were among the most highly trained decorative artists in Europe, often apprenticed from childhood and working only for the very finest maisons.

Fully crafted by Patek and the artisans they hired, it bears all of the correct makers hallmarks.

It is gorgeously designed and perfectly executed with its original platinum case and even fancy diamond set bow. The central blue and white cameo of a cherub is set against a high-polished background that serves as a mirrored backdrop making a striking presentation. The mirrored background is covered with a finely decorated platinum lattice design.

Inside, the watch houses its original gilt Patek Philippe cylinder escapement movement, signed and numbered, protected beneath a matching gold cuvette.

According to its accompanying Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives, the movement was manufactured in 1886, with the completed watch first sold more than 25 years later on June 15th, 1912. By this time, such pieces were typically acquired by women of exceptional status — aristocrats, heiresses, or the wives and daughters of industrial magnates — often purchased at the world’s great jewelers in Paris, Geneva, London, or New York. One can easily imagine this watch worn as a pendant at formal dinners, salons, or private gatherings where refinement was understood rather than displayed.

Today, examples of hand-enameled Patek Philippe pendant watches of this complexity are exceedingly rare, not only because so few were made, but because enamel — by its nature — is easily broken. survives intact. That this piece retains its full enamel artwork with no chips at all is noteworthy. The white enamel dial has one discrete repair near 5 hardly visible to the naked eye done by the leading enamel dial expert in North America. Our magnified photos show it so that it can be seen.

One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled its fine movement down to its last screw and fully serviced it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

As with all cylinder escapement movements, accuracy should be understood within the historical context of the technology employed. These "cylinder" escapements do not offer modern precision like the lever movements that followed.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function and a Patek Philippe extract from the archives attesting to its authenticity and originality.

Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
Country of origin: Switzerland
Serial no.: 108,124
Case no: 218,724 (matching cuvette)
Year built: 1886
Date sold: June 15th, 1912
Functions: Hours, Minutes
Designed for: Women
Dimensions: 24mm diameter
Case style: Open face
Case Decoration: Hand-painted polychrome enamel waterside scene, red enamel border, six inset diamonds
Case material: 18K gold
Case condition: Better than excellent condition with no chips in the enamel and no signs of previous polishing
Bow condition: Excellent
Dial: White enamel with black painted Roman numerals, outer railroad minute, original, very good condition with one discrete repair near 5 hardly visible to the naked eye done by the leading dial expert in North America. Our magnified photos show it so that it can be seen.
Hands: Original, "spades"
Movement type: High grade Patek keyless pocket watch with cylinder escapement, stem wound and pin set, frosted gilt finish, capped escape wheel, index regulator
Crystal: Original, excellent condition
Serviced: Our watchmaker has fully disassembled it down to its last screw and serviced it.
Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system. As with all cylinder escapement movements, accuracy should be understood within the historical context of the technology employed. These "cylinder" escapements do not offer modern precision like the lever movements that followed.
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Patek Philippe extract from the archives attesting to its authenticity and originality
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

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