Patek Philippe Rare Vintage Discoveries: Collector's Guide

GLau · 2021-08-19T15:49:11Z

Explore the rare Patek Philippe Coin Watch, a manual-wind movement embedded in a 1904 US$20 coin. Discover its history, references, and collector insights.

GLau's discovery of a Patek Philippe coin watch, ingeniously embedded within a 1904 US$20 coin, sparks a fascinating discussion among collectors. This piece highlights Patek Philippe's mastery in creating ultra-thin movements and unique horological objects. GLau's post invites the community to delve into the history and collectibility of these rare timepieces, prompting insights into their reference numbers and market desirability.

A Patek coin watch that used a US$20 coin from 1904 !

The watch, with a manual wind movement, is embedded into the thin coin. So thin and so cool 😎!

What is the reference number ? Are these sought after by collectors? Your thoughts on this piece ?

Key Points from the Discussion

The Patek Philippe coin watch is identified as a Lepine Pocket Watch, with similar examples from other brands like Rolex, Ulysse Nardin, and Breitling also existing.
A notable anecdote from Nick Foulkes' Patek book recounts Philippe Stern symbolically passing a $10 coin watch to Thierry, signifying the generational transfer of the company.
It's clarified that Patek Philippe likely manufactured the watch components, with only the top watch face cover originating from the actual dollar coin, while the coin edge and back were crafted by Patek.
Vacheron Constantin also produced coin watches, indicating this unique style was not exclusive to Patek Philippe.
Further information on Patek Philippe coin watches, specifically references 801 and 803, can be found on Collectability.com.

The Discussion

mdg

Aug 19, 2021

I've seen the Corum coin watches but never this one...very interesting.

GLau

Aug 19, 2021

Yes, interesting and a

refined small watch !

PoyFR

Aug 19, 2021

Very niece piece. You can occassionally find the very same by Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron, Elgin, Cartier, Corum, and even unbranded.

They do sometimes show up for auction.

GLau

Aug 19, 2021

Oh I see now !

Thanks for the link in your other post..

PoyFR

Aug 19, 2021

Here are links for you for the PP Lepine Collection etc...

Patek Philippe Lepine Pocket Watch Rolex 20 dollar coin ULYSSE NARDIN 20 DOLLAR COIN WATCH GOLD BREITLING, 20 DOLLARS US GOLD COIN WATCH

FabR

Aug 19, 2021

Thanks for the links, it is amazing to see how (relatively) inexpensive these little treasures are in today’s watch market😉👍

Patek Philippe Rare Vintage Discoveries: Collector's Guide

Market snapshot

Key Points from the Discussion

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