Exclusive Timepieces 7 –⁠ 8 December 2019 | Monaco

Auction Details

A wide selection of very fine vintage timepieces, property of various prominent collectors will be presented in this sale. Including a fine selection of Longines Chronograph coming from one of the most important collections worldwide.

17 Patek Philippe Very Early and Unusual Gondolo in Yellow Gold, Tonneau Shape Wristwatch, Radio Hands, Arabic Numbers and Beautifull Mustard Color Patina Dial

Estimate: € 15,000 –⁠ 30,000

Model: Gondolo
Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 1913
Case N°: 285857
Caliber: 12″
Movement type: Manual
Movement N°: 178121
Bracelet: Leather Strap
Dimensions: 28 x 47 mm
Signed: Dial, case and movement
Accessories: Extract from Archives

From the first moment the wristwatch was presented to the world, the brands tried to develop its design in the most beautiful and elegant way possible. Taking its cue from female bracelets, the watch therefore had to be able to wrap the wrist of the wearer almost completely. From this will was born therefore one of the most particular and appreciated forms ever produced, the Tonneau. Widely explored by various brands, this shape reminiscent that of a barrel (in Frances Tonneau) was also used by Patek Philippe to give life to its iconic Gondolo model, now much sought after by collectors. Superb example of the Art Deco modern style and prominent exponent of the roaring twenties, this model was produced in the late 1910s and early 1920s in an exceedingly small series, often for Patek’s celebrated Brazilian retailer Gondolo & Labouriau Relojoeiros in Rio de Janeiro. The large, curved and elegant case adhered perfectly to the male wrist, wrapping it impeccably, so much so that it is decidedly contemporary even today. Since the number of production of this limited series are finely low, it is very difficult to find one and also in the auction market less than 10 examples have appeared in the last year. This means that the present lot can be considered as one of the very few opportunity to purchase one of the most iconic designs of Patek Philippe (it was so appreciated that in 2008 was reintroduced this tonneau-shaped wristwatch within the Gondolo collection with the reference 5098). This example is the perfect opportunity for the lovers of fané wristwatches. Its yellow gold case still maintains the original proportions with the thin screwed lugs and offers a splendid oxhidation which spread all over the body. The back clearly show the signature Patek, Philippe & Co Geneva – Switzerland coadiuvated by and engraved dedication. The beautifully aged dial is the non plus ultra for vintage lovers given its patina which turned to a fascinating mustard color. Historical, iconic, rare, beautiful, many adjectives could be used for this lot but in this case, probably, the best thing to do is stay quite and let the watch itself to speak for its own.


With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with gilded dial, case n° 3 in 1913 and its subsequent sale on 11 november 1920.