PATEK PHILIPPE YELLOW GOLD RECTANGULAR REF. 10

The ref. 10 entered into production in 1917 and stayed in the line until 1932. As one of the earliest wristwatch models of the era, Patek Philippe showcased beautiful designs and layouts on its large dial. The Stern Frères dial typically featured applied gold Breguet numerals, exploded printed numerals, and most famously, painted luminescent Arabic numerals such as on the timepiece offered here. This example was born with a gilt dial with radium numerals that have been now (safely) removed and restored to its period aesthetic.

The case of the ref 10 or ‘model 10’ as it was called at the time, featured a large two-piece case that slightly curved for the contour of the wrist. The elegant design effortlessly presented the time boldly in pure ‘Roaring Twenties’ style.

This watch originally belonged to Gilbert Stiles Avery, Jr. from Mason City, Iowa and his presentation engraving can be seen on the curved case back dated January 12, 1928.

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