Patek Philippe. A large and rare rectangular curved wristwatch with hinged back
Prospective purchasers are advised that several co… Read more The following two watches, lots 326 and 327, are part of an exceedingly small series of oversized wristwatches made by Patek Philippe in the late 1910s and early 1920s. Often made for the celebrated Brazilian retailer Gondolo & Labouriau (lot 326), some examples were also released in other parts of the world (lot 327). One of Patek Philippe's most celebrated designs from the early 20th century, these two watches are amongst the most attractive examples of this landmark model to be offered in public in recent years.
Patek Philippe. A large and rare rectangular curved wristwatch with hinged back

SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE & CO., GENÈVE, CHRONOMETRO GONDOLO, MOVEMENT NO. 176'234, CASE NO. 604'849, MOVEMENT MANUFACTURED IN 1913, ENCASED AND SOLD IN 1926

Details
Patek Philippe. A large and rare rectangular curved wristwatch with hinged back
Signed Patek Philippe & Co., Genève, Chronometro Gondolo, movement no. 176'234, case no. 604'849, movement manufactured in 1913, encased and sold in 1926
Cal. 12''' gilt-finished jewelled lever movement, bimetallic compensation balance, micrometer regulator, gold centre, third and fourth wheels, wolf's tooth winding, silvered dial, large black Arabic numerals, blued steel spade hands, outer railway minute divisions, large rectangular case, wide bezel, curved sides, small straight lugs, hinged curved back, 18K gold Patek Philippe buckle, case, dial and movement signed
29.5 mm. wide & 46.5 mm. overall length
Special notice
Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

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Lot Essay

With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the movement of the present watch in 1913. It was finished in 1926, encased and sold on 8 December 1926.

To the best of our knowledge, this watch has never been offered in public before and is only the fourth example of such an oversized rectangular "Gondolo" model with "straight" Arabic numerals, as opposed to the explosion or Breguet versions, to appear at auction.

Few watches resonate so wonderfully the roaring twenties and the unique South American lifestyle like the oversized "Gondolos". Not only are they of noteworthy significance in Patek Philippe's history in the South American market but they are visually amongst the most captivating designs ever given to a watch. It is therefore by hardly any surprise that even today, nearly a century later, many firms take their inspiration from this revolutionary look. Despite being of the very first generation of wristwatches, they are as contemporary still today as they were during the early 20th century. Wearers of these watches will undoubtedly confirm that no other watch captures more the attention of the environment and invites more easily to animated conversations and generous compliments.

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