Fine Swiss gold hunting cased keyless lever watch Circa 1892

Gold full hunter by Patek Philippe & Co.
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A fine Swiss gold hunting cased keyless lever watch for the South American market, circa 1892. Retailed by Escasany Hermanos, Buenos Aires. This watch has a 17′ “frosted gilded movement, signed Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, with a moustache lever, wolf’s tooth winding, and bimetallic compensation balance. White enamel dial signed Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, featuring Roman numerals, sunken subsidiary seconds dial, and blued steel hands.
The 18 carat gold case is adorned with chased and engraved decorations, showcasing a pair of pelicans—one holding a snake in its beak—surrounded by foliage and vases overflowing with flowers. The bezel, stem, and bow also display intricate chased designs. The cuvette is inscribed with the text, “Fabricado expresamente para Escasany Hermanos, Peru No. 1, Buenos Aires,” and is signed and numbered Patek Philippe & Cie 91885. It comes with an Extract from the Archives that confirms its production in 1892 and sale on 22 October 1901.
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Diameter: 45 mm
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Signed: Patek Philippe & Cie. Genève
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The movement is running smoothly. The dial shows slight dirt but remains in good condition, with minor discolouration on the hands. The cuvette has a small indentation. The decorative elements on the covers are worn, with light scuffs visible throughout.
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Escasany Hermanos was a prestigious jeweller and watch retailer based in Buenos Aires. Founded in 1892 by Catalan brothers Ramon and Manuel Escasany, the company became a key partner for Patek Philippe as the brand sought to expand its presence in South America. The featured watch, created exclusively for and sold by Escasany, is a fascinating example of Art Nouveau-style craftsmanship, showcasing intricate decoration on the case and depicting the “Bellonius” Stork. This motif draws inspiration from the writings of Pierre Belon (1517–1564), a poet and naturalist renowned for his detailed accounts of the Orient. In 1553, Belon published a comprehensive work documenting his ethnographic, botanical, and zoological studies in Asia Minor, Arabia, and Palestine, including observations on Egyptian storks and their ecological significance.
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Hunting cased watches with elaborate chased and engraved designs are exceptionally rare and highlight the remarkable skill of Patek Philippe’s artisans.