Priority Bidding is here! Secure a lower Buyer’s Premium today (excludes Online Auctions and Watches). Learn More

94

Patek Philippe

Ref. 503

A fine and very rare solar-powered gilt brass table clock with perpetual calendar, retailed by Tiffany & Co.

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 35,000
€23,000 - 32,100
$25,800 - 36,100
CHF31,250
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Patek Philippe
Year
1964
Reference No
503
Movement No
873'522
Case No
1'519
Material
Gilt brass
Calibre
Solar powered, cal. 17 250 EQ, 29 jewels
Dimensions
220 x 190 x 140 mm.
Signed
Dial and movement signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present clock in 1964 and its subsequent sale on 13 February 1968.
Catalogue Essay
The present reference 503 demonstrates Patek Philippe’s spirit of continuous innovation. A solar powered clock with full perpetual calendar made in 1964, it merged state-of-the-art technology of the time with the best of mechanical watchmaking . Housing the Patek Philippe caliber 17 250 EQ, ‘17’ refers to the diameter of the movement stated in “lignes”, and the ‘E’ and ‘Q’ are short for Electrique Quantième. A large solar panel on the top of the case supplies energy to a storage device within which in turn transmits energy to power the movement. A battery system is also provided for back up, further illustrating how intelligent and ahead of its time this clock was. The futuristic, asymmetrical dial features large apertures indicating the date and day, whereas a small section on the right side of the dial is indicates the month alongside the timekeeping hands. The present clock’s exclusivity is further enhanced by the prestigious “Tiffany & Co.” signature found on the dial at 6 o’clock. Combined with its superb state of preservation, it’s amongst the finest examples known – and a rare opportunity for the connoisseur.

Patek Philippe

Swiss | 1839
Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.
Browse Maker