Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1913 Movement No: 176'253 Case No: 400'470 Model Name: Chronometro Gondolo Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, 12"", 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: gold plated pin buckle Dimensions: 32.5mm. Width Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe fitted box and Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1913 and its subsequent sale on July 14, 1925.
Exhibited
For a similar watch see Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. II, 2nd Edition, 1998, p.104, figs.109 A and B.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe’s original “Chronometro Gondolo” watches, like the present example, were made between 1902 and 1930 for the Brazilian retailer, Gondolo & Labouriau. Each was originally sold to members of their exclusive club, the “Gondolo Gang”. Consisting of Brazilian high-society, each member was required to buy one watch. Clients would pay 10 francs per week until the watch was fully paid for, however Gondolo Labouriau held weekly drawings so that the first week’s winner received his watch for free, while the second week’s winner had paid a minimal sum and so on until the 79th week’s winner, at this point remaining members were required to pay the full retail price. This clever system not only helped sell watches but allowed their private club members to gamble - which was illegal at the time - but not enforceable for private organizations.
Production of Chronometro Gondolo wristwatches began in 1910 for Gondolo & Labouriau. Patek Philippe produced these wristwatches in a variety of sizes and case shapes, from circular and square to cushion-shaped and rectangular. However, all were equipped with movements of the highest finish, meeting the exact requirements set by the Brazilian firm: wheel train made in 9 karat gold, cam-wheel regulator, moustache lever and wolf's tooth winding gears.
The present lot in overall magnificent condition is one of five known cushion shape cases made for Gondolo & Labouriau and only two are known with Roman numerals. The present lot was gifted by Alfredo J. A. Bustos to A. Bain Mackie in 1925 as attested by the engraving on the caseback.
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.