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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with silvered dial and Dauphine hour makers in 1913 and its subsequent sale on 14 January 1919.
Few vintage wristwatches have such a strong visual impact as the present oversized Gondolo-style wristwatch. Not only thanks to its unprecedented case proportions but also due to its black enameled "explosion" numerals, it captures the beholder's attention. Regardless how well-trained the eye, regardless if one is an experienced collector or novice, this masterpiece of early 20th century wristwatch design is always the center of any watch conversation. One's intellect can hardly perceive that the eye is looking at a 100 year old wristwatch. In fact, more than just one wristwatch manufacturer has revived this design in more recent decades, proof of how contemporary, yet timeless this design is.
The present example of this exceedingly small series, made during the 1910's and 1920's, has survived in remarkably original unmolested condition. It shows only little ageing and wear to the dial's surface and modest signs of polishing to the case. In fact, all inscriptions and numbers to the case back are clearly legible and the hinges feel solid and tight. Often reserved to Patek Philippe's Brazilian retailer Gondolo & Labouriau, some examples of this line were also released in other parts of the world, such as Tiffany & Co., Brinkmann in Naples, Italy and El Trust Joyero, Buenos Aires as in this instance. In fact, this example here is the only known example of this historical model featuring this exclusive retailer signature.
Offered for the first time ever at public auction, this watch is a perfect representative of Patek Philippe's milestones in history. Given its rarity and remarkable condition, it must be considered one of the most exclusive time only wristwatches in the world.
A similar watch is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 106, pl. 117.
Few vintage wristwatches have such a strong visual impact as the present oversized Gondolo-style wristwatch. Not only thanks to its unprecedented case proportions but also due to its black enameled "explosion" numerals, it captures the beholder's attention. Regardless how well-trained the eye, regardless if one is an experienced collector or novice, this masterpiece of early 20th century wristwatch design is always the center of any watch conversation. One's intellect can hardly perceive that the eye is looking at a 100 year old wristwatch. In fact, more than just one wristwatch manufacturer has revived this design in more recent decades, proof of how contemporary, yet timeless this design is.
The present example of this exceedingly small series, made during the 1910's and 1920's, has survived in remarkably original unmolested condition. It shows only little ageing and wear to the dial's surface and modest signs of polishing to the case. In fact, all inscriptions and numbers to the case back are clearly legible and the hinges feel solid and tight. Often reserved to Patek Philippe's Brazilian retailer Gondolo & Labouriau, some examples of this line were also released in other parts of the world, such as Tiffany & Co., Brinkmann in Naples, Italy and El Trust Joyero, Buenos Aires as in this instance. In fact, this example here is the only known example of this historical model featuring this exclusive retailer signature.
Offered for the first time ever at public auction, this watch is a perfect representative of Patek Philippe's milestones in history. Given its rarity and remarkable condition, it must be considered one of the most exclusive time only wristwatches in the world.
A similar watch is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 106, pl. 117.