PATEK PHILIPPE YELLOW GOLD OBSERVATORY CHRONOMETER

This Extra Quality chronometer was made for the famous Rhode Island Jeweler, Tilden Thurber. Before being shipped to the United States, the movement was submitted to the Geneva Observatory and earned an Honorable Mention in 1906. The adjuster for this chronometer was the celebrated Charles Batifolier. These chronometers were tested in numerous positions and extreme temperatures, the rigorous testing allowed the world to see who was the best-of-the-best. It was akin to Formula One car racing today. Rather than superstar drivers, the personal expression of brilliance of hand and machine was most clearly seen with the regleurs, or regulators, of the era. The escapement regulators of these chronometers were considered the superstars of the industry and the watch companies went to great lengths to recruit and retain this talent. Names such Modoux, Zibach and Batifolier are now celebrated as the horological gods that pushed timekeeping to the highest level of accuracy. It is no surprise that Patek Philippe was the King of the Geneva Observatory Trials.