Swiss gold miniature watch in the shape of a heart Circa 1858

Remarkable red garnets set gold enamel miniature watch by Patek Philippe & Co.
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A Swiss miniature watch in a heart-shaped, hand-engraved case, circa 1858, and sold in November 1864.
18-carat gold, heart-shaped case, translucent cobalt blue enamelled and studded with two red garnets. Enamel dial with Roman radial hours, outer minutes track, and Breguet hands. Heart-shaped movement. Signature on the dial, case and movement. Accompanied by an original fitted box, winding key, and extract from the archives.
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Diameter: 23 mm
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Signed: Patek Philippe & C Genève
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Property of a Swiss family
Bought by the owner in the Art of Patek Philippe sale in 1989, the watch remained dormant in a safe for the past 30 years until recently rediscovered. Made in 1858, this beautiful object is proof of the craftsmanship and attention to detail Patek Philippe was well known for.
Set in an 18k gold heart-shaped, hand-engraved case in which two red garnets were set, the movement was also constructed in a heart shape. The overall condition is amazing, partially because it has always been kept in its original case. The manufacturer’s only known example of a heart-shaped pocket watch to have been seen at auction—a once in a lifetime opportunity.