Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1953
    Reference No: 709
    Movement No: 872'597
    Case No: 120
    Material: Gilt brass and leather
    Calibre: Cal. 17'''250, 29 jewels
    Dimensions: 210mm Height
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed, base with inscription "Au Dr. W. Lützelschwab en Signe D'Amitié et en Souvenir de L'immeuble Pax à Genève 9 Mai 1959"
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present clock in 1953 with dome in green leather with marine-style decoration in gilt brass, engraved text on the dome base and its subsequent sale on May 4, 1959

  • Catalogue Essay

    Displaying a marine-style decoration, the present dome clock features a beautiful green leather exterior in lieu of cloisonné enamel, both of which are confirmed by the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives. While one panel displays an anchor, others depict a globe, sword/sphere and a compass.

    The base of the dome clock is engraved "Au Dr. W. Lützelschwab en Signe D'Amitié et en Souvenir de L'immeuble Pax à Genève 9 Mai 1959". The engraving is also mentioned in the Extract from the Archives. One can surmise that Dr. W. Lützelschwab was inextricably tied with L'immeuble Pax. Further research reveals that Wilhelm Lützelschwab was born on January 30, 1905 in Latvia. He moved to Switzerland at age 14. Rising through the ranks in civil service, he eventually became involved in public affairs and the Swiss Intelligence Service. Lützelschwab was known as an expert in matters relating to the political police. From 1949 to 1975, he was involved in the management of "Pax" life insurance company.

    Leather clocks are extremely rare to come by. To date, no more than a handful have reappeared on the market. Leather is particularly prone to flaking and breaking down due to moisture and the elements. To find one fresh to the auction market is nothing short of a spectacular discovery.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.

    Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.

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Ref. 709
A rare and attractive gilt brass and green leather dome clock with applied marine-style gilt ornaments and presentation inscription

1953
210mm Height
Case, dial and movement signed, base with inscription "Au Dr. W. Lützelschwab en Signe D'Amitié et en Souvenir de L'immeuble Pax à Genève 9 Mai 1959"

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 50,000 
€22,300-44,500
$25,200-50,400

Sold for CHF97,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019