Patek Philippe Reference 600 Pocket Watch with Black Dial

The Patek Philippe reference 600 is one of the most beautiful time-only pocket watches from the manufacturer and has become one of favorite references. Introduced in 1933, the reference 600 began a legacy which lasted over three decades becoming one of the most iconic Patek Philippe pocket watches. It is important to note the context of 1933, as at this point Patek Philippe had pivoted towards producing more wristwatches than pocket watches (a decision that served to keep their manufacturer afloat under the new Stern leadership).

Going back in time we have this spectacular and early version of the reference 600. It is 44.5mm in diameter (1mm wider than our example from 1952). While easily overlooked, the mid case in fact sits flat below the bezel and does not intersect to profile. Nicknamed “Moderne” for it’s large and timeless design, it is very slender at 8mm in height. More subtle details on the watch are quite interesting. For instance, the bow is 15mm wide (over a mm wider than in later ref. 600s). Also, worth noting is the crown is comparatively large at 6mm (over 1.5mm wider than on the white dial variant).

The black dial or “noir cadran” is confirmed in the Extract from the Archives, and is produced by Fabrique de Cadran Stern Frères. It features a exquisite enamel track which complements the subsidiary dial, signature and 18K gold case. Notably, the dial features the “long signature” (Patek, Philippe & Cie) which would be truncated to “Patek Philippe'“ around 1949. The “long signature” is extremely charming and when well preserved like the above dial makes the watch a real trophy for collectors.

The ref. 600 features applied “Heures Lapidées” hour markers is outstanding. The large dial and dauphine hands make for one of the most distinguished designs. The bow would be a dramatic transition from the more common “Bassine” and “Murat” style pocket watches and serve to be a much more modern design over into the 1950s and 60s.

The present example features an unpolished 18K gold case with beautiful patina developing on the surfaces. The case back features the initials engraving “BCS ERS”, leaving one to infer the timepiece was a gift, potentially from a father to son, or perhaps wife to husband. Unlike the previous example, the interior case back on this timepiece does not designate the model as a reference 600, as this is a much earlier example dating to 1939.

The Poinçon de Maître (case maker’s hallmark) bears the number 9 for Emile Vichet. There are also reference 600s with cases produced by Eggly & Cie which are much less common. The watch is powered by the calibre 17-21/12 and is stamped twice with the Geneva Seal.

The watch does not include box and papers. It comes with the Extract from The Archives.

SOLD (Item A00163)