Antique 1870s Patek & Co Pope Leo XIII 18k Vermeil Silver Award Pocket Watch 45m

Offered for your consideration is a historically significant and exceedingly rare antique pocket watch, crafted by Patek & Co. circa the 1870s. This exceptional 45mm presentation timepiece was specially commissioned for the Holy See and dedicated to Pope Leo XIII, who served as the head of the Catholic Church from 1878 to 1903.

Pope Leo XIII was renowned for his intellectualism, his efforts to reconcile the Church with the modern world, and his encyclical Rerum Novarum. A presentation watch of this caliber, bearing profound papal iconography and crafted by one of the most prestigious names in horology, was likely intended as an exclusive award or diplomatic gift from the Vatican.

Detailed Condition & Specifications Report

The Dial & Hands The pristine white enamel dial is a stunning work of devotional art.

• Papal Portrait: The center of the dial features a magnificent, highly detailed polychrome portrait of Pope Leo XIII, depicted in his formal papal vestments.

• Timekeeping Track: The hours are designated by classic, deeply fired black Roman numerals. The time is tracked by an elegant set of antique golden filigree hands.

The Papal Case & Engravings

• Exterior Back: The 45mm case is expertly forged from 18k gold-plated solid silver (vermeil). The case back is entirely dominated by a spectacular, high-relief sculpted emblem of the Holy See. This breathtaking insignia features the Papal Tiara (the triregnum) surmounting the crossed Keys of Heaven (representing the keys bestowed upon Saint Peter), beautifully tied with an ornate tasseled cord. The background of the case is finished with a refined, engine-turned guilloché pattern.

• The Cuvette (Dust Cover): The polished inner dust cover is elegantly hand-engraved in cursive script with “Cylindre,” “Patek & Co,” and “Dix Rubis,” documenting the watch’s prestigious maker and high-grade mechanical specifications. Dual key-holes are present for winding the mainspring and setting the hands.

The Precision Movement

• Mechanics: Powering this historical award is a pristine, 10-jewel manual-wind mechanical movement featuring a traditional cylinder escapement. The movement utilizes a classic Lepine-style bridge layout with exposed winding gears, a polished balance wheel, and an “Avance / Retard” regulation scale.

• Operating Condition: This exceptional presentation watch remains in perfect working order, winding smoothly and maintaining time accurately. A properly sized winding key is included with the purchase.

Terms of Sale This antique presentation timepiece is a functioning piece of world history and is sold exactly as photographed. Please review all high-resolution images carefully, as they form a definitive part of the description.

The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $5000

Free shipping to worldwide.

NOTE:PLEASE OBSERVE CAREFULLY THE PHOTOS! IT IS A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE DESCRIPTION. Every possible defect which is shown in the photos,but not mention in the description,will be considered for described.All the photos shoot by professional Nikon 105 Macro lens under 40x diopter magnification,so you can explore even the smallest detail like under microscope!