Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1970
    Reference No: 769M
    Movement No: 874'421
    Case No: 2'030
    Model Name: "Paris"
    Material: Gilt brass and enamel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 17-250, 29 jewels, powered by photo-electric cell
    Dimensions: 210 mm. High
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with Dome theme "Paris" in 1970 and its subsequent sale on 2 June 1970 and traveling case.

  • Catalogue Essay

    First produced in the 1950s, the Patek Philippe Dome Clock is a mainstay and crown jewel within the manufacture’s line of production. Characterized by the cylindrical form and spherical top, the earliest Dome Clocks were fitted with a mechanical movement powered by a solar panel.

    Patek Philippe has always been generous in providing resources for the advancement and research of technology and horology. In 1948, Patek Philippe inaugurated its Electronic Division, with the goal of innovating photoelectric and electronic timekeeping technology. In 1955, the firm showcased a solar-powered photoelectric clock at the World Symposium.

    The Dome Clock not only displays beautiful art, but merges timekeeping with technological innovation. It is the perfect canvas for an artisan to showcase his or her ability to create beautiful paintings. To apply enamel on the curved panels requires extremely delicate handling and high technical ability, as enamel is particularly prone to cracking. The relatively vast space furthermore enables the artisan to exhibit a wide range of color and design.

    This enamel work of art is painstakingly created by L. Chappaz. The dome clock is a celebration of Paris, centered around three main panels. While one panel depicts Hôtel Des Invalides, the second depicts Notre Dame de Paris and finally, the third displays the Louvre. These three institutions are the backbone of Paris' cultural might. The top of the dome clock furthermore depicts the map of Paris, with key monuments highlighted in orange, such as the Arc de Triomphe, Jardins du Trocadero, Tour Eiffel and the Panthéon. Furthermore, the front of the clock depicts musical instruments, such as a mandolin, violin, harp and piano. This clock without a doubt, pays tribute to the strength of Parisian beaux arts.

    Even more impressive is the luminous dial and hands with red accents. To our knowledge, this is possibly the only dome clock to display these features, making it an exceedingly rare example. Research shows that the present clock is unique and designed on special request for Mr. Donald I. Perry.

    Dome clock are usually dedicated to nature, mythical creatures and even history paintings. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only known cloisonné city map dome clock that has appeared to the auction market thus far. This, coupled with the luminous dial, renders it a superlative example.

  • 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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119

Ref. 769M
An extremely fine and unique gilt brass solar powered dome table clock with luminous dial, hands and cloisonné enamel scene "Paris" by Madame Luce Chappaz

1970
210 mm. High
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF150,000 - 300,000 
€129,000-259,000
$155,000-310,000

Sold for CHF175,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017