Recognised for creating some of the world’s most divine pocket watches, the Patek Philippe Chonometro Gondolo is certainly blessed with an interesting legacy. Named after an established retailer in Rio de Janerio, the collection was the consequence of a collaboration between Patek Phillippe and Gondolo & Labouriau, from 1872 to 1927. Primarily focusing on pocket watches only, the collection then expanded to include wristwatches in the 1920s to satisfy the rising demand for Swiss-made timepieces. Prior to the explosive popularity of the firm, their Brazilian partner established the “Gondolo Gang”, which was an ingenious marketing scheme that enticed a new market of gentlemen to each invest in a watch, or in other words, an asset. This was by no means an organised group of criminals but a community of like-minded enthusiasts with a common appreciation for haute horology.

In 1902, Patek Philippe created this series of pocket watches with the inscription “Chronometro Gondolo” above the signature on the dial. Powered by the cal. 21”’, the movement is equipped with a specific request for gold gear trains with keyless winding, tailored for Brazil’s hot and humid conditions. Furthermore, the cuvette is engraved with the retailer’s signature.

The present example is encased in pink gold, flaunting a crisp white enamel dial with small seconds. Tastefully executed both inside and out, the movement is hand-finished with the main bridge further engraved with the watchmaker’s initials and manufacture date, "PAT. 13 Jan 1891”. Beautifully preserved in excellent overall condition and further delivered with an Extract from the Archives, it is confirmed that the caseback inscription of “JAB.” is indeed original. These initials most likely belong to one of the members from the original Gondolo Gang, making this pocket watch essentially unique with its own untold story.