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

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1964
    Reference No: 503
    Movement No: 873'522
    Case No: 1'519
    Material: Gilt brass
    Calibre: Solar powered, cal. 17 250 EQ, 29 jewels
    Dimensions: 220 x 190 x 140 mm.
    Signed: Dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present clock in 1964 and its subsequent sale on 13 February 1968.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present reference 503 demonstrates Patek Philippe’s spirit of continuous innovation. A solar powered clock with full perpetual calendar made in 1964, it merged state-of-the-art technology of the time with the best of mechanical watchmaking . Housing the Patek Philippe caliber 17 250 EQ, ‘17’ refers to the diameter of the movement stated in “lignes”, and the ‘E’ and ‘Q’ are short for Electrique Quantième. A large solar panel on the top of the case supplies energy to a storage device within which in turn transmits energy to power the movement. A battery system is also provided for back up, further illustrating how intelligent and ahead of its time this clock was. The futuristic, asymmetrical dial features large apertures indicating the date and day, whereas a small section on the right side of the dial is indicates the month alongside the timekeeping hands. The present clock’s exclusivity is further enhanced by the prestigious “Tiffany & Co.” signature found on the dial at 6 o’clock. Combined with its superb state of preservation, it’s amongst the finest examples known – and a rare opportunity for the connoisseur.

  • 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. 503
A fine and very rare solar-powered gilt brass table clock with perpetual calendar, retailed by Tiffany & Co.

1964
220 x 190 x 140 mm.
Dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 35,000 
€23,000-32,100
$25,800-36,100

Sold for CHF31,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016