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.
credit: @benoit.watches & Sotheby's
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 “Patek 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 “
Patek Philippe & Co”, on the
right “
Geneva 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 Banbery,
Patek 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 Banbery,
Patek 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 hands, painted 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 Banbery, Patek 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 Ref. 5950
The Patek Philippe Reference 5950 is a monopusher split-seconds chronograph, a highly complex complication that showcases Patek Philippe's traditional watchmaking expertise. This reference is notable for its cushion-shaped case, drawing inspiration from early 20th-century Patek Philippe chronographs, and its integration of a sophisticated manual-winding movement. It represents a contemporary interpretation of historical designs, appealing to collectors who value both technical prowess and vintage aesthetics. The 5950 stands out in the Patek Philippe collection for its unique combination of a rare complication and a distinctive case form.
The watch features a 37mm cushion-shaped case, crafted from platinum, providing a substantial feel on the wrist. It houses the manual-winding caliber CHR 27-525 PS, a movement known for its slim profile and intricate construction, including a column-wheel mechanism. This caliber offers a power reserve of approximately 48 to 52 hours. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, allowing for a clear view of the intricate details. The caseback is also sapphire, revealing the meticulously finished movement.
For collectors, the Reference 5950 holds significance due to its limited production and the complexity of its monopusher split-seconds chronograph function. It appeals to those seeking a high-complication timepiece with a strong historical design lineage. The platinum case and the specific movement further enhance its desirability, positioning it as a notable piece within Patek Philippe's grand complications. Its design echoes earlier Patek Philippe chronographs, making it a bridge between historical and contemporary horology.
Specifications
- Caliber
- CHR 27-525 PS
- Case
- Platinum
- Diameter
- 37 mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 30 m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
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
