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Rare Patek Philippe “St. George and the Dragon” Silver Pocket Watch - $16,500 (Hallandale Beach)
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No. 74382 – Circa 1883–1887
Description
A rare and unusual silver open-face keyless lever pocket watch by Patek Philippe, signed Patek Philippe & Co., Genève, serial number 74382, dating to approximately the mid-1880s.
Pocket watches of this period were typically produced by Patek Philippe only upon special order, often for prominent retailers or wealthy private clients. Highly decorated repoussé cases such as the present example were usually commissioned for distinguished owners and sometimes served as presentation or commemorative pieces.
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Movement
• Caliber 18 gilt-finished lever movement
• 18 jewels
• Bimetallic compensation balance
• Wolf’s tooth winding
• Sweep center seconds
• Silver cuvette signed by maker and numbered
The presence of sweep center seconds, less common in pocket watches of this era, represents a technically desirable feature for collectors.
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Dial
• Silvered chased dial
• Roman numerals on blank cartouches
• Outer Arabic five-minute divisions
• Raised scroll and foliage decorated center
• Pink gold Louis XV hands
• Signed PP & Co. Genève
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Case
• Finely chased and engraved silver open-face case
• Scroll and floral decorated bezel and band
• Diameter: 47 mm
The back of the case is centered by a dramatic high-relief repoussé scene depicting Saint George on horseback slaying the dragon, with the inscription:
“S. GEORGIUS EQUITUM PATRONUS”
(St. George, protector of knights)
The interior of the case depicts a ship in full sail on a stormy sea with **Jesus Christ asleep on deck accompanied by two apostles. A wind blows into the sail from a small cloud above. Surrounding the scene is the Latin inscription:
“IN TEMPESTATE SECURITAS”
(Safety in the storm)
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Historical Significance
During the late 19th century, Patek Philippe frequently collaborated with specialist case makers and master engravers in Geneva to produce highly artistic cases such as the present example. The repoussé scenes were typically executed by skilled engravers who worked independently of the watch manufacturer.
Symbolic imagery combining Saint George and maritime themes was widely interpreted during the period as a talisman of protection in battle or at sea. Watches featuring these motifs were occasionally presented to military officers or naval figures.
Because these watches were produced primarily as special commissions, surviving examples are extremely uncommon.
To the best of current knowledge, only a very small number of comparable silver “St. George” Patek Philippe watches are known, making this an exceptionally rare example. The rarity is further enhanced by the combination of a chased silver case and sweep center seconds.
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Condition
Very good overall condition consistent with age. Not in working order.
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Price
$16,500
Cash only.
Sold as is.
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