製造商: Patek Philippe 年份: 1961 型號: 804 機芯編號: 873'147 錶殼號碼: 238 型號名稱: Pendulette Demi-lune 材料: Gilt brass 機芯: Solar powered, cal. 17-250, 29 jewels 尺寸: 195mm height x 225 width 簽名: Dial and movement signed, case numbered 配件: Further accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1962 and its subsequent sale on July 11th, 1962 with further remark "Hour Lavigne", rounded back demi-lune shaped engraved ornaments.
圖錄文章
Following World War II, Patek Philippe opened their Electronics Division in 1948 to research and develop new technologies, and since that time they have produced a variety of clocks from engraved gilt brass examples like the present example to well-known and cherished polychrome cloisonné enamel solar dome clocks. The first series clocks issued in the 1950s and 1960s featured both a mechanical 17 lignes pocket watch movement, along with a solar panel and battery array, which was connected to the pocket watch movement and supplied the energy to drive it. Overtime as technology improved, the pocket watch movement was removed and the clock driven by solar powered quartz movements, and by 2007 the use of the solar panels had been reduced with clocks manufactured with a quartz movement and the use of the solar panel diminished or not even used.
The present gilt brass clock is typical of the early design period and manufacture. It takes an innovative brand to move beyond the traditions of horology and use solar power as a means to generate power. Early clock came in a range of shapes with vertical and horizontal rectangular-shape the most common. The present “demi lune” or half-moon shape is rarely seen and it provides an aesthetic appeal from the past. The brushed gilt chapter ring with black Roman numerals surrounds a gilt speckled center. The clock front with engraved scrolls on two wide vertical pillars and two smaller horizontal plaques has an architectural dimension. On the top the quartered solar panel is surrounded by a sunburst display.
This clock is in excellent overall condition and while the Empire style design is 19th century, the movement is rooted in the mid-20th century technology. Fresh to the market, it is only the 4th known example to appear at auction. The clock is a fine example of the early years of Patek Philippe foray in to solar technology and a rare opportunity for collectors.
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.
