Gondolo & Labouriau was Patek Philippe’s sole authorized retailer in Rio de Janeiro until the 1930s. Having put in place an ingenious system to increase the sales and bypass the ban on gambling, the jeweler greatly increased Patek Philippe's awareness in the Brazilian market. Today, Patek Philippe’s Chronometro Gondolo wristwatches are some of the most coveted by collectors in virtue of their rarity, size and historical background. Production of these wristwatches started in 1910 with specific requests from the retailer concerning the movement. Gondolo & Labouriau requested the movement to feature a cam wheel regulator, allowing for precise and practical adjustments to the watch, a moustache-shaped lever, wolf's tooth winding gears, and gold wheels for the wheel train. These high grade movements would then be housed in a large variety of sizes and case shapes.

Designed with a hinged tonneau shaped case, this watch was extremely large for the era. According to Patek Philippe archives, we know that the movement of the present watch was made in 1912, but that the timepiece was only sold on December 22nd, 1927. Preserved in remarkable condition for a watch of this age, this timepiece may well become the trophy of the watch collection it will join.