Patek Philippe. A fine and unique minute repeating watch movement in purpose made platinum case by the Patek Philippe casemaker Jean-Pierre Hagmann.

Case stamped JHP and Made in 1990, Movement No.138422.
Geneva striped circular nickel lever movement signed Patek Philippe, bi-metallic compensation balance, polished hammers repeating on two gongs, hand made and finished silver guilloche dial with applied white gold batons and Roman 12 and 6, dial signed Patek Philippe & Co Geneve, in a plain mask, blued steel moon hands, polished round case with glazed back, large tear-drop lugs, Swiss platinum marks and initials JHP stamped between the lugs, fitted Patek Philippe leather strap with platinum buckle 37.5mm. Sold for £74,400

Footnote: Although originally created as a minute repeating pocket watch, and completed on 6th July 1909, Movement No.138422 took almost 3 years to produce. It was finished in an 18ct gold case with enamel dial and Breguet hands. Patek Philippe records state its production price was SFR 411,40 and the inventory value in 1916 was SFR 5.800. On the 22nd of December 1930 during the recession, the watch was sold to Mr W. Horten of Germany for the sum of SFR 2.475. The present platinum case was made and completed by Jean Pierre Hagmann in 1990.

Jean-Pierre Hagmann is an extremely experienced and world respected case maker who has worked for many of the greatest watch houses notably Patek Philippe. He currently manufactures minute repeating cases for Patek Philippe and these include the references 3974 (perpetual calendar minute repeater), 3979 (minute repeating wristwatch) and the reference 5029 (minute repeating Officer's wristwatch). Each watch that he makes is stamped with his unique mark 'JHP'

The movement used in this watch is only 27mm in diameter and therefore the wristwatch is not oversized, this combined with the beautifully shaped tear drop lugs makes this a unique piece for the discerning watch collector.

Bonnhams. Fine Watches and Wristwatches, 17 Dec 2008. New Bond Street. Copyright © 2002-2008 Bonhams 1793 Ltd., Images and Text All Rights Reserved. www.bonhams.com