Magnificent Pocket Watches at Sotheby’s Hong Kong
Sotheby's Hong Kong is set to auction a collection of significant pocket watches, including notable pieces by Patek Philippe and Charles Frodsham. The sale features a modern grande complication, an early flying tourbillon, and a minute-repeating pocket chronometer, highlighting the enduring value and mechanical complexity of pocket watches for collectors.
- Auction includes pocket watches by Patek Philippe and Charles Frodsham.
- Featured timepieces include a modern grand complication, an early flying tourbillon, and a minute-repeating pocket chronometer.
- Patek Philippe ref. 942/2 "Grande Complication" is a modern revival of a historical genre.
- Patek Philippe ref. 961 minute repeating chronometer features a rare spring detent escapement and free-spring compensation balance.
The Patek Philippe ref. 942/2 "Grande Complication" is a modern example from the 1980s, reverse-engineered from a 1908 watch, with 15 "cloned" cal. 20GC movements built between 1982 and 1992, all bearing the Poinçon de Genève.
The ref. 942/2 features an upgraded instantaneous perpetual calendar with leap year and 24-hour indications, plus independent month adjustment.
The Patek Philippe ref. 961 minute repeating chronometer is powered by the cal. 21RMDQ, Patek Philippe's third largest modern movement at 21"' (approx. 47.3 mm), and is the only modern Patek Philippe movement to use a non-lever escapement.
The ref. 961's perpetual calendar combines instantaneous changes with the ease of adjustment found in the ref. 3940.
The ref. 942/2 is offered with its original solid-gold stand.