Swiss silver open faced inking chronograph pocket watch Circa 1879

Silver inking chronograph by Patek Philippe
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A Swiss silver open faced inking chronograph pocket watch, circa 1879. Cylinder movement. White enamel dial with Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds at 12 o’clock. Plain case, snap on back. Dial and movement signed, case signed and numbered. Comes with the original box and an Extract from the Archives confirming the production of this watch in 1879 and its subsequent sale on 17 January 1879.
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Diameter: 57 mm
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Signed: Patek, Philippe & Co Genève
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Patek Philippe made close to 100 inking chronographs from 1878 to around 1892. The inking chronograph is fitted with a hand composed of two parts. The lower part has an ink bow and the upper part a needle, which when activated, pushes the lower part of the hand to release a trace of ink on the dial. This gives a visual display of the elapsed time. This piece is a fine example, which is still operating today.