#140 • Patek Philippe, Awarded Third Prize Geneva Observatory Timing Contest, 18K

Part of 261022 - "Fall Featured Auction" Horology, Jewelry & Coins - October 1 - 22 (timed auction by Jones & Horan Auctions)

High bid $9,500.00

Status: Available

Live bidding starts Oct 22, 2026 11:00 AM EDT

EPW - Patek Philippe, Genève, Awarded Third Prize Geneva Astronomical Observatory Timing Contest 1909-1910, "Extra" grade with Guillaume balance, diamond endstone, serial number next to balance as required for observatory timing trial submission, mvt and case marked for American retailer Henry Kohn & Sons of Hartford, Connecticut, 49mm, 18K gold OF original PP.Co. case with small Jürgensen-style lips, gold cuvette engraved "Awarded Third Prize Geneva Astronomical Observatory Timing Contest 1909-1910" and also with names "James W. Ward M.D." and "Hart Day Leavitt," white enamel SS dial, fancy gold Louis XV style hands. SW-SS, fully capped lever escapement with counterpoise, Guillaume Balance, diamond endstone, wolf's tooth winding, fausses-côtes pattern nickel damascene, s#146830 with matching serial number to case. Gross weight of assembled watch 65.2 dwt (101.4 g). A terrific example of an observatory-grade Patek Philippe, distinguished by the provenance imparted by its case engraving, which explicitly commemorates its outstanding performance in elite precision timekeeping trial. These watches were painstakingly prepared for competition by the maker's finest adjusters, or "régleurs," and achieving top-level results in these trials was an important means of reinforcing brand supremacy within the fiercely competitive Swiss watchmaking industry. CONDITION: Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, scattered mild fine to micro-fine scratches; dial with few light hls; nearly mint hands; case shows little wear, no dents; tight bow, crown shows little wear; good glass crystal. Estimate: $9,000 - $13,000 JH-78784