In the earlier watch variant of the manufacturing caliber called ‘Gondolo’ with a special extension – an additional petal coupling gear powered by gear system which moves the watch hand on the back cover. The caliber is quite typical and recognizable, like on the example.

Appearing to be more than 160 years old, the item is in excellent condition and is perfect for any collection. Taking the uniqueness of the feature in account, combined with the Patek Philippe brand, the watch can be considered as an investment.

Apart from the listed features and its value, this masterpiece was filmed and traveled into the Holy lands, the Jordan. They were featured in the wonderful and wise film called ‘The Monk and the Devil’ by Nicholas Dostale as the golden pocket Breguet, which belonged to the devil called Legion (see video with snippets from the film).

The masterpiece is in perfect technical condition as well, strongly ticking movement makes it a good example of an expensive valuable present, and a good daily accessory too. Original gold chain is included.

The enclosed-type case made from 18K yellow gold, cover and guilloche. The front cover opens up at a press of a lever, and has two inner covers behind it. The diameter of the watch is 49mm, or 50.3mm with the tactile points, while the height of it goes up to 68mm. On the inside, you may see the serial number and the 18K gold sample too. It says ’Tiede’ on the dust cover (Christian Frederick Tiede) and the centre of the dust cover also features the pulley for connection with the outer ‘A-tact’ hand. The state of the covers is impressive: the joints fit tightly, while the cover opens up smoothly.

The cover features the owner’s name engraved on the inside, saying ‘Count N.N.Wittgenstein’, although some thorough attempts were made to remove it (in USSR such title could get its owner into a prison) Nikolaj zu Sayn und Wittgenstein, the cousin of Russian Court Count:

• Grandfather – Ludwig Adolph Peter Fürst zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, 1769-1843
• Father – Ludwig Adolph Peter Fürst zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, 1812-1864
• Cousin – Nikolaj zu Sayn und Wittgenstein, 1862-1934

The Sayn-Wittgenstein surname belongs to the German-Russian dynasty of the Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg earldom. The German roots of the watch with the signature of Berlin’s watchmaker Tiede is another sign of the watch’s primary use: corresponding to the year, the watch occurs to be a birthday present to Nikolaj zu Sayn und Wittgenstein. Anyway, the signature is not the main value factor, although it adds a vast historical cost, when a proper research is done on the royal family members.

The chain also deserves proper attention, it’s got gold hallmark of ’56’ (14 carat) and manufacturer’s stamp ‘AB’. The gain is original, it comes with the watch, while the ‘AB’ stamp of the corresponding year is found to stand for ‘Anna Bilibina’ (see note “Bilibina” in the knowledge archive), Kaluga. The Bilibines brand sold gold and silver jewelry and items, it also had its own manufactory and even a unique silver stamp as well.

The original enamel watch face with fine Roman numbering and a small face displaying seconds. The thin hands with dark-purple blueing, and the smaller second display fitted at 6 o’clock position. The mineral glass is ultra-fine, while being slightly curved, the enamel is in original state without restoration.

The Patek Philippe early calibre Swiss movement featuring 19 rubies, gold plated parts and the bridge with dark-blue screws. The ‘wolf tooth’ winding wheels are coupled up with an expensive balance featuring adjustment screws and bi-metallic thermal compensation. The extension for the outer watch hand, the masterpiece is in excellent technical condition, stable and precise running.

Have a look at the A-TACT feature in action below: