.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
Made in 1909 and sold in 1918 the present reference 10 is one of the extremely rare surviving examples of this early model to appear in public.
Reference 10 was initially named “model 10” before being attributed ref. 10 in 1934 when Patek Philippe started implementing reference numbers to their wristwatches. It is the sister model of the celebrated “Gondolo” wristwatches featuring the same case size, construction and shape, both considered icons in today’s collectors market.
The present example is preserved in generally very good condition for a 100-year-old wristwatch. Since its first appearance at public auction in Geneva in 2008 it has remained in the same important private collection. Evidently not often used, the engraved signatures and numbers as well as hallmarks to the outside of the case back are still crisp. The dial, a curved silver plate, features luminous numerals, fully confirmed by the Extract from the Archives. As to be expected, the luminous material was replaced at some point. The movement is a calibre 12’’’ with Gondolo standards.
Only very few “survivors” of reference 10 have appeared in public to date. Those preserved in such good overall condition despite their age, such as the present one, are a rare opportunity for the collector of early timepieces.
Similar watches are illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, 1198, p. 106, fig. 118, and p. 112, a “Gondolo” in Patek Philippe Museum – Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. II, p. 137.
Reference 10 was initially named “model 10” before being attributed ref. 10 in 1934 when Patek Philippe started implementing reference numbers to their wristwatches. It is the sister model of the celebrated “Gondolo” wristwatches featuring the same case size, construction and shape, both considered icons in today’s collectors market.
The present example is preserved in generally very good condition for a 100-year-old wristwatch. Since its first appearance at public auction in Geneva in 2008 it has remained in the same important private collection. Evidently not often used, the engraved signatures and numbers as well as hallmarks to the outside of the case back are still crisp. The dial, a curved silver plate, features luminous numerals, fully confirmed by the Extract from the Archives. As to be expected, the luminous material was replaced at some point. The movement is a calibre 12’’’ with Gondolo standards.
Only very few “survivors” of reference 10 have appeared in public to date. Those preserved in such good overall condition despite their age, such as the present one, are a rare opportunity for the collector of early timepieces.
Similar watches are illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, 1198, p. 106, fig. 118, and p. 112, a “Gondolo” in Patek Philippe Museum – Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. II, p. 137.