Swiss silver and niëllo minute repeating watch Circa 1910

Silver and niëllo repeating lever watch 
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A very rare Swiss silver and niëllo open faced minute repeating lever pendant watch, circa 1910. Retailed by Sim & Co, Troy, NY. Sold in 1912. Jewelled lever movement, bimetallic compensation balance, repeating the minutes, two hammers.
Silver cuvette. White enamel dial with black Breguet numerals and red minutes, subsidiary seconds at 6, gold Louis XV-style hands, hairlines. Case with niëllo arabesque motif, blank cartouche centred on the back, gold details. Case and dial signed by the watchmaker, movement and cuvette signed by the watchmaker and retailer. Comes with an Extract from the Archives.
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Diameter: 35 mm
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Signed: Patek, Philippe & Cie Geneva, Switzerland
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The use of niëllo as a decorative element in watches became very popular in the early part of the 20th century. The creation process is similar to cloisonné enamel work, though its effect is more subdued, and it is comparably less expensive. Carved recesses are filled with the darker grey-toned niëllo made of a mixture of metallic elements. After exposure to high temperatures, the niëllo sets and the surface is polished smooth.
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Lady’s minute repeating pendant watches require particular mastery to create and thus were made in very small quantities. This example is unusual in that it combines this small minute repeating movement with a niëllo case. Considered separately, these technical and aesthetic elements are rare, and their combination in this makes it a truly unusual piece, likely made at the request of a client.
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This piece is being offered by a descendant of the original owner.
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For an example of an earlier niëllo Patek Philippe watch, see M. Huber & A. Banbery, Patek Philippe Watches, Vol. II, second edition.