Patek import letter code question

[4thdimension]

My question is in regards to import code letters- those three letters found on the balance cock of Swiss watches. The letters for Patek Phillipe are PXP and only PXP as far as I know. I have recently evaluated a genuine Patek that has some condition issues. The brightest bridge on the mov't(cal. 9,no.90) is the balance cock and it bears the code "HOX". I am puzzled as to how a perfect replacement balance cock, with correct regulator spring, correct demascene etc., could end up on the Patek ebauche? Was this not an exclusive Patek ebauche?? Any idea who "HOX"is? ? ?

My thanks for any help.
-Cort
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[Jeff Hess]

Someone help him!

I have asked the same thing here!

http://www.nawcc-mb.com/bbv2/bbBoard...556#gpid236556


Anyone?

Jeff

[cgshugart]

My question is in regards to import code letters- those three letters found on the balance cock of Swiss watches. The letters for Patek Phillipe are PXP and only PXP as far as I know. I have recently evaluated a genuine Patek that has some condition issues. The brightest bridge on the mov't(cal. 9,no.90) is the balance cock and it bears the code "HOX". I am puzzled as to how a perfect replacement balance cock, with correct regulator spring, correct demascene etc., could end up on the Patek ebauche? Was this not an exclusive Patek ebauche?? Any idea who "HOX"is? ? ?

My thanks for any help.
-Cort

HOX maybe (HOAX) ? sham ? but I have no proof.
Why would Patek use HOX?
Cooksey

[4thdimension]

Jeff,
That's interesting! It's nice to have company too. I think that with two of them out there the likelyhood of finding answers and the need for an explanation is increased. Thank you for the link.

Cooksey,
"Hoax" was the first thing that crossed my mind too. I choose to believe it isn't one but I'm only
guessing at this point. Thank you for posting.

-Cort
<(';')>

[Wayne D.]

Cort & Jeff, I've been trying to figure that out since Jeff's post. I see that the cal.9 no.90 movement by Patek was manufactured between 1940-1950 and was just wondering if it would have anything to do with what was going on at Patek at that time. You have the War going on and maybe Patek was in short supply with parts and got some from IWC? I don't know what their relationship was at that time frame. Maybe they were helping each other out. I guess you had to be there.

[Jeff Hess]

I guess one of us should step up to the pump and get an extract from the archives...
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[4thdimension]

News in from the ### board of a third Patek/ HOX sighting!
I'm hoping to go see the watch again tomorrow. In my judgement, the balance cock was made by Patek. I don't have a good explanation as to how the HOX (Int'l W.Co.) mark ended up on it, but the idea of anyone manufacturing this part to spec. , including lining up the demascening, and then stamping it with an obscure IWC import mark?; that would be remarkably obscure I think. One opinion posted on ### suggested that, import codes were not necessarily that of the manufacturer. Rather the code reflects the identity of whom ever paid the import duties.

Anybody know if thats true?
-Cort
<(';')>

P.S. Jeff, I am going to see the watch, accompanied by the person who wants to buy it .
If he does, he says he'll pony up for the P.P info. -C
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[mondodec]

Hi Cort

The code HOX is indeed seen on IWCs, but it is a unique US importer's code and not a makers code.

There are other threads on this issue of import codes on this forum.

One explanation is that the American importer of later IWCs was an earlier importer of Pateks? and used the code HOX on both. Need to do more research but that is one explanation.

For example, the code LXA is seen on Elbon, Laco, Lancet and Winton timepieces and the code BXP is seen on Glycine, Imperial and Norwich and Bayer pieces.

So HOX on the balance bridge doesnt necessarily signify IWC

Regards

Desmond

[Wayne D.]

OK guys we must have an epidemic of these movements now...check out ebay item #280154230479.

[Jeff Hess]

One opinion posted on (a chapter board) suggested that, import codes were not necessarily that of the manufacturer. Rather the code reflects the identity of whom ever paid the import duties.
---------------------

Yes, we discussed this here on the main nawcc board many times. Please refrain from discussing things on chapter boards as many of us are banned from using some of these small chapter boards.

Thanks.

Jeff
[edit=85=1190861255]spelling errors[/edit]

[4thdimension]

Wayne, and all
Nice catch!
The watch I initially posted about has found a happy new home. This was in no small part due to the discussion here over the last few days.

How the IWC import code ended up on Patek mvt's is a question that still needs to be figured out. But it's existance, now reported on four examples and on different grades in just three days, is a strong indication that these are not a hoax or a fluke.

My thanks to all who contributed.
-Cort
<(';')>

[Jerry Treiman]

A search of the Timezone Forums turns up various discussion of the the imports codes. One poster there confirmed that HOX is the code for Henry Stern, an agency that imported Patek Phillipe as well as other brands.

[4thdimension]

Jerry,
Thank you my friend. It isn't often we get to add to the volume of Patek Phillipe watch info eh?.
-Cort
<(';')>

[Jeff Hess]

Jerry continues to amaze.

Before I put up the former thread I checked everywhere for refeerence to that import mark and found nothing.

Thanks Jerry!


Jeff

For the record H STern is STILL involved in the Patek Biz...