First produced in the 1950s, the Patek Philippe Dome Clock is a quintessential and prestigious piece within the manufacture’s lineup. Characterized by its cylindrical form and spherical top, the earliest dome clocks were equipped with a mechanical movement powered by a solar panel. Featuring the Patek Philippe manual caliber 17’”250, a small solar panel at the top of the dome supplies energy to an internal storage device, which in turn powers the mechanical movement.

In 1948, Patek Philippe established its Electronic Division to explore photoelectric, electronic, and nuclear timekeeping. This division was responsible for creating the groundbreaking solar clock, the first of its kind. Patek Philippe received a Swiss patent for clocks fitted with photoelectric cells. The innovative idea behind their light-powered horological mechanism involved adding electronic storage—a rechargeable accumulator that provides energy to wind the spring. The photoelectric cells can either store energy electronically in the accumulator or mechanically by winding the spring. Once the mechanism is fully wound, the cells switch to charge the accumulator.

The present gilt brass solar-powered dome clock by Patek Philippe is an exceptionally rare and exclusive example from the 1960s. Featuring a Bridge Cards decoration, this dome clock boasts a stunning green leather exterior instead of the usual cloisonné enamel, as confirmed by the Extract from the Archives. The four panels correspond to the four Kings of the suits (hearts, diamonds, spades, and clubs) in bridge cards. Leather clocks are extremely scarce, with only a handful reappearing on the market to date.