Patek Philippe | A Pocket Watch with a Quarter Repeater that Ticked Away Time and Played Music Alongside Composition

Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky's Pocket Watch

This pocket watch, which Tchaikovsky kept by his side while composing, features a minute repeater that chimes the hours in 15-minute intervals, and an elegant design that evokes his music.

Text by KOIZUMI Yoko

A Minute Repeater Pocket Watch That Marked Time and Played Music Alongside Composition

The great Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky left behind not only symphonies but also numerous operas, songs, and the music for the three ballets known as "Swan Lake," "The Sleeping Beauty," and "The Nutcracker."

He was fond of this pocket watch, which is equipped with a minute repeater. The repeater mechanism is activated by a slide piece on the case side, which strikes gongs. This piece was made around 1877 and also features the "keyless winding and setting mechanism" invented by the genius watchmaker Jean-Adrien Philippe. It is truly a model that showcases Patek Philippe's technical prowess.

What is unique about the dial design is the mix of black Roman numerals, red Arabic numerals, and blue Arabic numerals. While such combinations are common in today's wristwatches, giving it a modern feel, a 24-hour display (indicated by the inner red numerals) on a pocket watch from the late 19th century is a rare feature.

Such innovative design is also part of Patek Philippe's charm. Also noteworthy are the Louis XV-style hands, reminiscent of lace, crafted from a combination of delicate curves. The design, completed with soft lines, gives the viewer a light impression and, at the same time, evokes the music Tchaikovsky created.

The gongs are struck by wires fitted around the movement. A slide-activated gong mechanism is located on the left side of the case (the right side when viewed from the front). Rose gold case, genuine white enamel dial.