Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: X Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1970
    Movement No: 874'435
    Case No: 2033
    Material: Brass and wood
    Calibre: Photo-electric cell, cal. 17'''250, 29 jewels
    Dimensions: 141mm Width and 142mm Height
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with "Teak" dial and case panels in 1970 and its subsequent sale on September 22, 1970.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1948, Patek Philippe inaugurated its Electronic Division, with the goal of innovating photoelectric and electronic timekeeping technology. In 1955, the firm showcased a solar-powered photoelectric clock at the World Symposium.

    The present desk clock displays wooden teak panels, giving it a different appearance than usual brass-only examples. It is preserved in excellent condition with barely any signs of wear. 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.

  • 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.

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A highly rare and attractive squared-shaped gilt brass and teak desk clock with solar panel

1970
141mm Width and 142mm Height
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF3,000 - 5,000 
€2,800-4,700
$3,100-5,200

Sold for CHF10,625

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