Description

The present watch is the Patek Philippe ref. 7J RM, an extremely rare 18k yellow gold minute repeater with a cushion-shape tortoise case, made in 1930.

Considering that only about less than 40 wristwatches with this prestigious mechanism are estimated to have been produced from the late 1920s to the late 1930s – with only a few identified, collectors should be able to realize the rarity this yellow gold Patek Philippe represents.

Although the tortoise case was the most common case shape amongst the early minute repeaters, the current model’s configuration (e.g. Breguet gold applied numerals and small seconds subdial) was not shared with other tortoise case minute repeaters from that era, possibly granting a ‘unique’ status to this wristwatch as well as to the others. Even until this day, the tortoise case is a favorite amongst watch enthusiasts, granting this vintage model an increased allure for collectors.

Victorin Piguet, through his company “V. Piguet et Frères” was a specialist of complicated mechanisms in wristwatches and is behind the calibre of the tortoise case No. 7. The calibre used here is a 11” minute repeater with lever escapement.

The dial, made by Stern Frères, is a silvered gold plate with yellow gold applied Breguet numerals, pear-shaped yellow gold hands and hand engraved-enameled inscriptions (which include the brand signature, the outer minute railway track and the subdial along with the scale track surrounding it).

Made of 3 parts and with soldered lugs, the case is in 18k yellow gold and was manufactured by André Wenger, the famed Genevan casemaker. He inscribed the inside of the caseback with hallmarks such as the case’s serial number, the Swiss hallmark, gold marks, Patek Philippe’s signature as well as his own signature which features a key representing Geneva and the digit ‘1’.

As for the history, this watch was purchased in Manhattan, New York back in 1939 and offered by the buyer to her mother. She was the only known owner of the watch and a frequent user at that – making great use of the minute repeater functionality to actually tell her the time. Despite the heavy use of the reference’s signature mechanism, the minute repeater is to this day still functioning well.

To add further twist to the lore, the owner of the watch was a direct descendant of John Adams (d. 1826), the second president of the United States.

Previous inspection of this collectible piece shows no apparent signs of restoration. Any minimal damage signs, whether on the dial or the case, are perfectly reasonable considering the age of the watch being more than 90 years. All hallmarks can be observed whether inside or outside of the case too.

Patek Philippe – Bio

Patek Philippe & Co. was founded in 1839, located in Geneva and the Vallée de Joux. It designs and manufactures timepieces and movements, including some of the most complicated mechanical watches. It is considered by many experts and aficionados to be one of the most prestigious watch manufacturers.
In 1868, Patek Philippe made their first wristwatch, which was sold on November 13, 1876 to the Hungarian Countess.
It is the last independent, family-owned Genevan watch manufacture with uninterrupted operating history spanning nearly 180 years.