PATEK PHILIPPE COIN WATCH REF. 802

The coin watch is a classic Patek Philippe offering made starting in the 1920s and produced through the end of the 20th century. The series included the famous references 801, 802, and 803. But it was not until the 1950s through 1980s that coin watches were part of Patek Philippe’s regular offering, and to this day the coins represent a form of understated luxury that only those in the know can appreciate.

A coin watch is complicated to master as it needs to look exactly like a regular coin when the lid is closed. Only when opened, by a small latch concealed within the side of the coin is the watch revealed and with it the realization that the ultra-slim watch movement, crystal, and case are all able to fit within the tiny space. From a production point of view, a minimum of two coins was sacrificed to make each coin watch. These works of art are a homage to the micro-mechanics and art of case making and watchmaking.