8117
Patek Philippe
Ref. 812
A fine and rare gilt bronze solar powered cartel clock in Louis XV style with Roman indexes and enamel dial
- Estimate
- HK$48,000 - 96,000€5,800 - 11,500$6,200 - 12,300
HK$107,950
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Patek Philippe
- Year
- 1969
- Reference No
- 812
- Movement No
- 874'364
- Case No
- 1'990
- Material
- Gilt bronze and enamel
- Calibre
- Photoelectric mechanical, cal. 17’”250, 29 jewels
- Dimensions
- 355mm height x 220 mm width x 90mm depth
- Signed
- Case numbered, dial and movement signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
- In tribute to the Louis XV cartel clocks that gained popularity in the 18th century, Patek Philippe crafted its own version in the 1960s, incorporating subtle innovations. During the era of Louis XV, before Patek Philippe was even founded, these cartel clocks adorned the homes of aristocrats and nobles, showcasing delicate sculpting and intricate engravings on their cases.
- The present reference 812 exemplifies Patek Philippe's innovative approach, blending tradition with modern technology. Unlike the 18th century clocks that were wound by keys, this model employs a photoelectric cell on the front to power an accumulator, which in turn winds the mechanical movement. This ingenious design allows the clock to maintain operation without the need for frequent winding.
- The enamel dial is equally captivating, featuring a signature rendered in cursive font and surrounded by Roman hour markers and Arabic minute markings, reflecting the classic design elements of many 18th-century cartel clocks.
- Rarely seen in the market, this clock is in very good overall condition. It was sold nearly a decade ago at the inaugural Phillips watches auction and has since been preserved in a private collection.
- The present reference 812 exemplifies Patek Philippe's innovative approach, blending tradition with modern technology. Unlike the 18th century clocks that were wound by keys, this model employs a photoelectric cell on the front to power an accumulator, which in turn winds the mechanical movement. This ingenious design allows the clock to maintain operation without the need for frequent winding.
- The enamel dial is equally captivating, featuring a signature rendered in cursive font and surrounded by Roman hour markers and Arabic minute markings, reflecting the classic design elements of many 18th-century cartel clocks.
- Rarely seen in the market, this clock is in very good overall condition. It was sold nearly a decade ago at the inaugural Phillips watches auction and has since been preserved in a private collection.
Provenance
Literature
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since 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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