Patek Philippe - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1913 / 1928
    Movement No: 175'623
    Case No: 608'832
    Model Name: Gondolo
    Material: 18k pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12''', 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k pink gold pin buckle signed PPCo
    Dimensions: 29mm. x 40mm.
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of manufacture of the present watch in 1913 and its subsequent sale on July 7, 1928. The Extract further indicates that the original case was replaced by the current case during a servicing by Patek Philippe in 1929

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe’s Chronometro Gondolo wristwatches are one of the most celebrated of the early 20th century. Designed with a large hinged case and gentle curvature, this extraordinary watch is a lovely reflection of a bygone era. The movement was manufactured according to the highest grade specifications provided by the retailer, including a cam wheel regulator, allowing for precise but practical adjustments to the watch, a "moustache"-shaped lever, wolf's tooth winding gears, and gold wheels for the wheel train. Produced in several sizes, the 48mm watch (including lugs) was the largest, and today retains an impressive and contemporary feel.

    Gondolo & Labouriau was Patek Philippe’s retailer in Rio de Janerio from the 1870s to the late 1920s. Their “Gondolo” timepieces are now some of the most coveted by collectors. Each was originally sold to members of their exclusive club, the “Gondolo Gang”. Consisting of Brazilian high-society, each member was required to buy one pocket watch which retailed for 790 Swiss francs. Clients would pay 10 francs per week until the watch was fully paid for, however Gondolo Labouriau held weekly drawings so that the first week’s winner received his watch for free, while the second week’s winner had paid 10 francs and so on until the 79th week’s winner, at this point remaining members were required to pay the full retail price. This clever system not only helped sell watches but allowed their private club members to gamble - which was illegal at the time - but not enforceable for private organizations.

    Production of Chronometro Gondolo wristwatches began in 1910 for Gondolo & Labouriau. Patek Philippe produced these wristwatches in a variety of sizes and case shapes, from circular and square to cushion-shaped and rectangular. This well preserved example of an oversized “Chronometro Gondolo” wristwatch is a true trophy watch for the demanding collectors. Believed to be a unique piece with a movement made in 1913, it is the only known 48 mm size model in pink gold. Equally spectacular is its lovely dial with highly uncommon Breguet numerals. Most other known examples of “Gondolo” wristwatches have either straight Arabic or “exploding” numerals. After one hundred years, Patek Philippe’s Chronometro Gondolo timepieces remain an important part of the brand’s rich history - and this special wristwatch represents this chapter at its pinnacle.

  • 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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ΔΣ192

An extremely fine and possibly unique pink gold oversized rectangular hinged wristwatch with Breguet numerals, retailed by Gondolo & Labouriau

1913 / 1928
29mm. x 40mm.
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF150,000 - 300,000 
€138,000-275,000
$155,000-309,000

Sold for CHF225,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016