In 1948, Patek Philippe inaugurated its Electronic Division with the aim of researching on photoelectric, electronic and nuclear technology to power clocks. Within two years, the department succeeded in creating the first solar clock. The caliber 17-250 was fitted with a small rotatable solar panel on the top of the dome supplying energy to a storage device, which in turn transmitted energy to the mechanical movement. A Swiss patent was awarded to Patek Philippe for clocks fitted with photo-electric cells. Patek Philippe's idea for a light-powered horological mechanism was to introduce additional electronic storage – an accumulator that provides the energy to wind the spring. The photoelectric cells can either store their energy electronically in the accumulator, or mechanically by winding the spring. When the mechanism is fully wound, the cells switch over to charge the accumulator.

According to research, the first fully operational dome clock left the manufacture in 1953. As a mainstay and crown jewel within the manufacture’s collection, the production remained very small in due part to the enamellers’ painstaking enameller’s work to complete the case’s decoration. Usually dedicated to nature, mythical creatures and even history, the present dome clock, from 1956 displays an unusual abstract scene. Titled “Abstract in blue, grey and red” in the Patek Philippe Archives, it represents some of the finest cloisonné work of the mid 1950s. The abstract nature of this clock uses form, color, and line that are typical of the period and remind us of paintings by Miro or ceramic furniture design of the mid-century.

To the best of our knowledge, this dome clock represents one of the very earliest examples to have been produced by the Geneva manufacture. In excellent overall condition it is a must-have for the discerning connoisseur seeking to own one of Patek Philippe’s rarest and most prestigious timepieces.