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 [email protected] 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
