99 Patek Philippe An oversize, highly rare and attractive, Curvex, rectangular shape manual wristwatch in yellow gold with champagne dial, luminous hands and arabic numerals.

Estimate: Fr. 30'000 –⁠ 60'000

• Model Curvex
• Year 1924
• Case Material 18K yellow gold
• Case Number 289'938
• Bracelet Material Leather strap
• Movement Manual, cal. 12, 18 jewels
• Movement Number 184'083
• Dimension 30mm width x 43mm length
• Signed Case, dial and movement
• Accessories Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives, confirming the production of the present timepiece in 1924 and its subsequent sale on 25th January 1927.

There is a particular magic to the earliest wristwatches produced by Patek Philippe, an era when the maison was still defining the very identity of the wristwatch. This remarkable “Curvex” example from 1924 perfectly captures that pioneering spirit, combining bold proportions, avant-garde design and exceptional presence. Housed in an 18k yellow gold case, the watch stands out for its striking rectangular form and beautifully curved profile, designed to hug the wrist with surprising modernity. Most notably, its dimensions, approximately 30mm in width and 43mm in length, are extraordinary for the period. At a time when wristwatches were typically small and discreet, such size was highly unusual, making this piece a true anomaly and a testament to Patek Philippe’s forward-thinking approach. The dial is equally compelling, featuring expressive oversized Arabic numerals with radium coating and matching hands, all set against a warm, richly aged gilded surface. The aesthetic already embraces the emerging Art Deco language, years before it would become dominant across design and architecture, giving the watch a distinctly modern character despite its early date. Echoing the spirit of the famed Gondolo watches, born from Patek Philippe’s historic partnership with Gondolo & Labouriau in Rio de Janeiro, this piece embodies the same pursuit of bold geometry, refined mechanics and cosmopolitan elegance that defined the brand’s most innovative creations of the early 20th century. Manufactured in 1924 and sold on January 25th, 1927, as confirmed by the Extract from the Archives, this watch is further distinguished by its remarkable state of preservation and remains a rare and compelling witness to one of the most important transitional periods in horological history.