Patek Philippe Cushion Monopusher Chronographs
Vintage

Patek Philippe Cushion Monopusher Chronographs

By quattro · Apr 10, 2026 · 22 replies
quattro
WPS member · Patek Philippe forum
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quattro's comprehensive compilation of cushion-shaped Patek Philippe single-button chronographs offers an invaluable historical and technical resource for collectors. By meticulously detailing seven rare examples, he sheds light on the subtle variations and unique characteristics that define these highly sought-after vintage pieces. This deep dive into Patek Philippe's early chronograph legacy is particularly timely, coinciding with a significant auction event.

This wonderful cushion-shaped Patek Philippe single button (monopusher) chronograph will be auctioned on April 24, 2026, at Sotheby's “Important Watches” auction in Hong Kong.



I therefore decided to take this opportunity to compile a list of all the cushion-shaped Patek Philippe single button chronographs I could find.

Here are the results of my research.

The seven chronographs are presented by movement number, in ascending order.


A/ MOVEMENT NO. 197'918 (1927)

This yellow gold example features vertical registers, painted Breguet numerals and pear hands.

The signature is arranged around the canon pinion: on the left â€śPatek Philippe”, on the right “& Co Geneva”.

It is only described on p. 258 of the book by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, Patek Philippe Genève Wristwatches (Second edition, 1998)






B/ MOVEMENT NO. 197'919, CASE NO. 289'861

This example also features a yellow gold case and vertical registers, but has needle hands and applied pencil indexes.

It was made in 1924 and subsequently sold by Tiffany & Co. on June 2nd, 1926.

It was last seen on the market in 1997 at Sotheby's in New York and it will be sold next April 24th.

















Patek Philippe Complicated Wristwatches by Giampiero Negretti and Paolo De Vecchi, pages 24 and 25


credit: Sotheby’s


C/ MOVEMENT NO. 198'143 (1929)

Like example A, this timepiece features a yellow gold case, vertical registers, painted Breguet numerals and pear hands.

However, the signature is arranged around the canon pinion in a different way than in example A: on the left â€śPatek Philippe & Co”, on the right â€śGeneva Switzerland”.

It now belongs to the Patek Philippe Museum, Inv. P-881.

The photos below are from p. 260 of the book by Martin Huber & Alan BanberyPatek Philippe Genève Wristwatches  (Second edition, 1998)






D/ MOVEMENT NO. 198'207, CASE NO. 608'751

This white gold example features vertical registers, pear hands and applied Breguet numerals.

It was manufactured in 1928.

And it was sold by Antiquorum in 1995 and by Christie's in 2011.




credit: Christie’s & Antiquorum


E/ MOVEMENT NO. 198'237, CASE NO. 607'929

This yellow gold example from 1929 features horizontal registers, pear hands, and Dauphine numerals.

It was sold by Antiquorum in 1994 and is now on display at the Patek Philippe Museum, Inv. P-992.

It is described on p. 261 of the book by Martin Huber & Alan BanberyPatek Philippe Genève Wristwatches  (Second edition, 1998)




credit: rolandc (here on WPS) & Antiquorum





In the Catalog of the Patek Philippe Museum with example C:






F/ MOVEMENT NO. 198'241 (1937)

This yellow gold example features pear handspainted Breguet numerals, small horizontal registers and a tachymeter scale with “CALCULÉ POUR 1 KM DE DISTANCE ” (CALCULATED FOR 1 KM DISTANCE) at 6 o'clock.

The long signature - “Patek Philippe & Co / Genève” - is placed at 12 o'clock.

It is only described on p. 258 of the book by Martin Huber & Alan BanberyPatek Philippe Genève Wristwatches  (Second edition, 1998)






G/ MOVEMENT NO. 860'027, CASE NO. 615'413 

Manufactured in 1935, this yellow gold & platinum example features leaf hands, applied 6 & 12, and a sector-style dial with small horizontal registers and a tachymeter scale.

The watch is featured in its original case in Patek Philippe Complicated Wristwatches by Giampiero Negretti and Paolo De Vecchi, p. 30 (photos kindly provided by fellow member golden hands)







The watch was later set in a new case no. 613'412.

It was sold in this recased condition by Antiquorum in 1990 and by Christie's in 2011.




credit: Christie’s & Antiquorum


As a conclusion, here are a few links to related posts I made previously:


Thanks for reading.

Best, Emmanuel

About the Patek Philippe Grand Complications Ref. 5951

The Patek Philippe Grand Complications reference 5951 is a highly regarded perpetual calendar chronograph, distinguished by its monopusher chronograph mechanism. This reference is part of Patek Philippe's most complex offerings, combining two of the most significant horological complications. It represents a specific approach to integrating these functions within a compact and refined case, appealing to collectors who value technical sophistication and traditional watchmaking. The 5951 stands out for its specific movement architecture and the integration of its complications.

This reference features a platinum case, typically measuring around 37mm in diameter. It houses the manually wound caliber CHR 27-525 PS Q, a movement known for its slender profile and high level of finishing. The monopusher chronograph function is controlled by a single button integrated into the crown, simplifying operation while maintaining precision. The perpetual calendar displays are arranged for clarity, often featuring subdials for day, date, month, leap year, and moon phases. The crystal is sapphire, providing durability and clear visibility of the dial.

As a Grand Complication, the 5951 appeals to serious collectors of high horology. Its combination of a perpetual calendar and a monopusher chronograph, powered by a sophisticated in-house movement, places it at the pinnacle of Patek Philippe's production. The limited production numbers and the complexity of its construction contribute to its desirability. It is a testament to Patek Philippe's enduring commitment to traditional complicated watchmaking.

Specifications

Caliber
CHR 27-525 PS Q
Case
Platinum
Diameter
37mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
GL
GLau
Apr 10, 2026

shaped watches ! To me this shape is an acquired taste. Would love to see in W&W some new shaped watches !

GA
gary_g
Apr 10, 2026

These are absolutely gorgeous watches. I love this case shape but want to draw your attention to the fact that the dial is actually round and the movement is round. This is a good example to show all the cubitus haters - Patek historically used round movements in watches that aren’t.

QU
quattro
Apr 10, 2026

Thanks for your enthusiasm. Best, Emmanuel

QU
quattro
Apr 10, 2026

Let's not be Cubitus haters! Best, Emmanuel

GO
golden hands
Apr 10, 2026

notice that the bezel in the antiquorum catalogue has a rough finish and not a smooth one as in these photo and christies

QU
quattro
Apr 10, 2026

May I ask what book it is? Thank you! Best, Emmanuel

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