High quality Swiss 18K gold open faced lever watch Circa 1929

Gold fine gentlemen’s watch
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A high quality Swiss 18 carat gold open faced keyless pocket watch made by Patek Philippe in Geneva, circa 1929. Retailed by Bailey, Banks & Biddle in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. The movement is stamped Extra Special, has a lever escapement, Guillaume balance, a plain steel balance spring, laminated cut, compensating balance wheel, diamond end stone and 21 jewels. A cuvette with the personal inscription Albert C. Middleton Moorestown NJ. White enamel dial with black Arabic hours, an outer minute track, outermost red Arabic five minute numerals, sunk subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock and gold hands. A plain, monogrammed case, the inner back with maker’s service marks. Dial signed by the retailer, case and movement numbered and signed by the watchmaker and retailer.
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Diameter: 49 mm
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Signed: Patek, Philippe & Co Geneva
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This watch was made for Bailey, Banks & Biddle in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. It was further sold to Albert Clement Middleton, for whom the watch was probably commissioned. Middleton was an industrialist and businessman in New Jersey. He was a co-founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company, incorporated in 1901, and served as a Director of the firm until his retirement in 1913. The company was later purchased by The Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in 1929. He was also a prominent political figure in New Jersey Republican politics, having served as State Treasurer of New Jersey and the South Jersey Port Commission.