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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 encased and fitted with the silvered dial and dauphine numerals and sold on 10 October 1924. Furthermore delivered with a Patek Philippe period presentation box.
Doubtlessly among Patek Philippe's most celebrated 20th century designs, the "Gondolo" models were available in different sizes. The present specimen is from the largest series with an impressive length of 40 mm. or 48 mm. including the lugs.
Fresh to the market and preserved in very attractive overall condition and still retaining the original buckle, this example of the legendary "Gondolo" model must be considered a most exclusive collector's trophy.
In the late 1910s and early 1920s, Patek Philippe produced an exceedingly small series of these oversized wristwatches, often for their celebrated Brazilian retailer Gondolo & Labouriau Relojoeiros in Rio de Janeiro. Available with different dial styles, so far only seven other "Gondolo" watches in tonneau-shaped cases have appeared in public, but the present piece can be considered unique as its dial configuration differs from all other examples known.
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 hardly any surprise that even today, nearly a century later, many firms take their inspiration from this revolutionary look. Despite being from the very first generation of wristwatches, they are as contemporary today as they were during the early 20th century. Wearers of these watches will undoubtedly confirm that no other watch captures attention more easily to animated conversations and generous compliments.
A similar watch, movement no. 180'780, case no. 287'179, is on permanent exhibition in the renowned Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva. It is illustrated and described in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches Volume II, p. 136, Inv. P-1322.
Doubtlessly among Patek Philippe's most celebrated 20th century designs, the "Gondolo" models were available in different sizes. The present specimen is from the largest series with an impressive length of 40 mm. or 48 mm. including the lugs.
Fresh to the market and preserved in very attractive overall condition and still retaining the original buckle, this example of the legendary "Gondolo" model must be considered a most exclusive collector's trophy.
In the late 1910s and early 1920s, Patek Philippe produced an exceedingly small series of these oversized wristwatches, often for their celebrated Brazilian retailer Gondolo & Labouriau Relojoeiros in Rio de Janeiro. Available with different dial styles, so far only seven other "Gondolo" watches in tonneau-shaped cases have appeared in public, but the present piece can be considered unique as its dial configuration differs from all other examples known.
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 hardly any surprise that even today, nearly a century later, many firms take their inspiration from this revolutionary look. Despite being from the very first generation of wristwatches, they are as contemporary today as they were during the early 20th century. Wearers of these watches will undoubtedly confirm that no other watch captures attention more easily to animated conversations and generous compliments.
A similar watch, movement no. 180'780, case no. 287'179, is on permanent exhibition in the renowned Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva. It is illustrated and described in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches Volume II, p. 136, Inv. P-1322.