Patek Philippe Naviquartz Marine Chronometers Overview | Patek Philippe

Overview of the Patek Philippe Naviquartz

Presented to the public at Baselworld in 1970, the Patek Philippe “Naviquartz” was produced from 1969 (or late 1968) until the late 1980s.

Designed as a backup navigational and timekeeping system for ships, it was originally a true marine chronometer.

However, it quickly became a sought-after object for the home or office.

According to Antiquorum, the “Naviquartz” was made in three series:

1) “Naviquartz I”, calibre RH 29, available under:

Ref. 1200, black dial with outer seconds graduation (so-called “instrumentation dial”) and white “Bâton” hands, silver fausse-plaque (false plate) with the mention “NAVIQUARTZ”, with black leather box
Ref. 1201, idem with wood cabinet with glazed cover (without key)

2) “Naviquartz II”, calibre 33 QZ (16 384 Hz), two-piece wood cabinet with glazed cover and brass protections on each corners (with key), available under:

Ref. 1202, black dial with outer seconds graduation (so-called “instrumentation dial”) and white “Bâton” hands, silver fausse-plaque (false plate) with the mention “NAVIQUARTZ”.
Ref. 1207, silver dial and “Breguet” black hands, silver fausse-plaque (false plate) with the mention “NAVIQUARTZ”.
Ref. 1208, gilded dial and “Breguet” black hands, gilded fausse-plaque (false plate) with the small mention, lower right, “Naviquartz”.

3) “Naviquartz III”, calibre 33 (32 768 Hz), three-piece small wood cabinet wit plain cover and brass protections on each corners (with push-pieces), available under:

Ref. 1215 & 1215 HF (high frequency), white dial and “Breguet” black hands, gilded fausse- plaque (false plate).

However, for Series I and II, it is not always easy to clearly determine which of the two a particular example belongs to.

For these two series, I have therefore chosen to adopt a classification based solely on the material of the front panel, the color of the dial, and the type of box or cabinet.

NAVIQUARTZ I & II

A/ BRUSHED ALUMINIUM FRONT PANEL with CALATRAVA CROSS & “NAVIQUARTZ”

1/ BLACK DIAL with ARABIC NUMERALS & BATON HANDS

a/ Black leather box

This is clearly Naviquartz I

credit: Toovey’s (1-3) & Christie's

b/ Wood cabinet with glazed cover (without key)

These are in principle Naviquartz I models, but they are sometimes classified as Naviquartz II.

credit: Antiquorum

c/ Mahogany cabinet with glazed cover and brass protections on each corners (with key)

This is clearly Naviquartz II

credit: KuSeRa

Promotional booklet

credit: Patek Philippe

Unique (?) example with two diodes for which I have unfortunately not found an explanation: 1 Hz & Code

credit: Nautilus Dubai

2/ WHITE DIAL with ROMAN NUMERALS & BREGUET HANDS

Naviquartz II

credit: ClockDoc (1-5) & 24Time (6-9)

An example of Certificate of Guarantee

credit: Patek Philippe

B/ BRUSHED BRASS FRONT PANEL with “Naviquartz” - IVORY DIAL with ROMAN NUMERALS & BREGUET HANDS

1/ Example with applied Calatrava Cross

credit: ClockDoc

2/ Example without applied Calatrava Cross

credit: 24Time

A few close ups

credit: Hodinkee

Three-part advertisement in Spanish:

“From the laboratory to the boat...”

“from the boat to the office...”

“and from the office to home.”

credit: Patek Philippe

Side by side with the model with brushed aluminium and black dial

Catalogue of the Patek Philippe Museum, Volume II, p. 402

credit: Patek Philippe Sotheby's & photo of my personal copy of the Patek Philippe Museum Catalogue

3/ Example retailed by Tiffany & Co. with double signed dial

Tiffany & Co. advertisement

credit: ClockDoc

Example gifted to Russ & Rudy Regan by Elton John in 1973

credit: Christie’s

4/ Calatrava motif front panel & wood cabinet without key

I couldn't tell if this very special example belongs to Series I or II.

credit: Antiquorum

NAVIQUARTZ III

The Series III is distinguished in particular by the presence of a battery energy reserve indicator (bottom left), which is activated by pressing the button (bottom right).

It also features a three-part cabinet instead of a two-part one.

1/ REF. 1215

credit: Christie’s

credit: Atelier Tempus

2/ Ref. 1215 HF - Example retailed by Tiffany & Co. with double signed dial

credit: Abington Auction Gallery

3/ HENRI STERN'S PERSONAL NAVIQUARTZ III

credit: Patek Philippe

BONUS: TWO ADDITIONAL SQUARE QUARTZ MARINE CHRONOMETERS

1/ SQUARE MARINE CHRONOMETER RETAILED BY KELVIN HUGHES, LONDON with DOUBLE SIGNATURE

According to Collectability:

“Kelvin Hughes is a venerated maker of marine chronometers and ship navigational instruments based in London for over 250 years.

During the early 1970s Patek Philippe and Kelvin Hughes embarked on a brief partnership making marine chronometers that were equally suited for a client’s yacht and office.”

credit: Christie’s (1), Sotheby's (2-8) & ClockDoc (9)

2/ THE “CHRONOSAILOR”, REF. 911

Example retailed by Hausmann & Co. with signature of the Roman retailer on the front panel.

credit: Amsterdam Vintage Watches

A few words in conclusion.

Personally, I find these marine chronometers quite fascinating and would be delighted to own one.

While mechanical watchmaking is certainly closer to my heart than quartz, I find it very interesting to note that, during what is often called the "quartz crisis," Patek Philippe strove to excel in this field and produce the most precise and reliable timepieces possible.

I also admire their ability to create objects full of charm, blending modernity and tradition.

What about you? What do you think?

Thank you for reading.

If you want to learn more, please watch the video below with John Reardon.

Best, Emmanuel

Patek Philippe Naviquartz II & III Clocks by John Reardon

So the rrp of this timepiece was DM 3660

By: Centurionone : June 10th, 2026-15:22

which roughly translates to £800 in late 70s, taking inflation into account that amount would be just under £1K today. It is inconceivable to think that Patek would have anything to sell for that measly amount today .. How times changed

Interesting article, I didn’t know Patek

By: Vetnov : June 10th, 2026-15:29

made these chronometers. Thanks for sharing the information and photos.

My pleasure, Vetnov.

By: quattro : June 10th, 2026-19:18

I'm glad you found the article interesting. Best, Emmanuel

Times have changed indeed, but,

By: quattro : June 10th, 2026-19:18

to be honest, when I do such in-depth research I don't pay attention to the price (except if I plan to acquire the timepiece I'm researching on. There is a Series III for sale for 7'800€ on C24: much more than £1K, but still "affordable". Best, Emmanuel ...

Love them

By: MSOnline : June 11th, 2026-11:50

These naviquartz are so cool. I have a ‘salvaged’ one without the case and my watchmaker added a new donor movement. Nontheless I love the brutal look 😅 ...