While their modern plaudits come from their infamously desirable wristwatches, the brand began life creating pocket watches, much like other watchmakers that began life during the 19th century and before. As such, it is pocket watches, like the example we have here draws attention to Patek Philippe’s original legendary aesthetic and unwavering level of craftsmanship. Featuring an 18kt yellow gold construction, a stunning silver dial with 18kt yellow gold applied indices and hands, this pocket watch is no ordinary pocket watch, but rather a ref. 605. Produced from 1939 until around 1964, with about 95 examples estimated to have been produced, the ref. 605 HU is one of the most exclusive serially produced Patek Philippe pocket watches ever made. Powered by a manual-wind cal. 17”170 HU movement, this pocket watch boasts a world time complication, as evidenced by its two-tone 24-hour ring and array of world-wide city names across its periphery. Measuring 44mm in diameter, this example’s case, complete with a fluted bezel, is a wonderfully understated design that serves to allow its movement and display do the talking.

An incredibly impressive feat of horological engineering, and astoundingly rare due to the difficulty of producing such a piece of watchmaking at the time, the ref. 605HU is one of the holy grails of Patek collectors, especially those who enjoy their pocket watches, or high-end complications.