Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: X Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2019 | Phillips

The Geneva Watch Auction: X

Geneva Auction 9-10 November 2019

  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 2011
    Reference No: 1577M
    Movement No: 1'804'834
    Case No: 21'465
    Model Name: "Portugal"
    Material: Gilt Brass and enamel
    Calibre: Quartz, cal. 33'''
    Dimensions: 210mm Height
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated November 9, 2010 and stamped David Rosas, leather portfolio, leather wallet and product literature.
    Provenance: "Patek Philippe Genève Auction February 25, 2010.

  • Provenance

    "Patek Philippe Genève Auction February 25, 2010.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1948, Patek Philippe inaugurated its Electronic Division with the aim of researching photoelectric, electronic and nuclear technology to power clocks. Within two years, the department succeeded in creating its 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.

    This striking and attractive dome clock is decorated with a cloisonné enamel scene depicting the theme "Portugal". A unique piece based on Portugal's Great Discoveries, each panel displays an ancient map that depicts Portuguese territories at the time of the signing of the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494. Gold ribbon indicates the lines of longitude, such as the Equator, the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Furthermore, the clock is engraved "Portugal Peça Única, 25th Aniversário da David Rosas." Made to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the retailer, this clock was originally auctioned at the "Patek Philippe Genève Auction" on February 25, 2010, where all profits were donated to the charity institution "Terra dos Sonhos". Furthermore, the watch is accompanied by a Certificate of Origin dated November 9, 2010 that is also stamped by the retailer.

  • Artist Biography

    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.

    View More Works

224

Patek Philippe

Ref. 1577M
An attractive and unique cloisonné enamel dome clock displaying "Portugal" and presentation box, made for the 25th anniversary of David Rosas

2011
210mm Height
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF70,000 - 140,000 
€65,700-131,000
$72,800-146,000

Sold for CHF100,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: X

Geneva Auction 9-10 November 2019