Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX Hong Kong Monday, May 28, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1957
    Reference No: 739
    Movement No: 872'727
    Case No: 211
    Model Name: "The Jungle"
    Material: Gilt brass and cloisonné enamel
    Calibre: 17”250, photo-electric, 28 jewels
    Dimensions: 310mm. Height
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: With Patek Philippe fitted presentation box and original certificate of origin. Further delivered Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with cloisonné enamel “La Jungle” scene in 1957 and its subsequent sale on December 1st, 1958

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present dome clock is an early example of these highly desirable solar powered dome clocks. Patek Philippe introduced them in 1953 and they are still made today in very limited numbers. Following the end of World War II, new technologies were developed and Patek Philippe wanted to be on the cutting edge and established their Electronics Division in 1948. Each clock was individually made and combined traditional artisan handcraftsmanship with new age technology. The caliber 17"-250 used a photo-electric cell in the rotating dome top, which then activated an internal converter that powered the clock.

    “The Jungle” is a whimsical polychrome cloisonné enamel scene with light to dark green hues for the background. Each panel represents a member of the jungle from a lion, serpent and Giselle, each in tones of brown and red. The dome panel is represented by a monkey. The entire scene is highlighted by purple and red birds and foliage. The white dial has a gilt chapter ring with baton numerals. The original certificate of origin states the enamel work was by Mme. Pellarin, a well-known and esteemed enameler, whose name has appeared on other Patek Philippe enamel dome clocks.

  • 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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FROM A SWISS COLLECTOR

961

Ref. 739
An extremely fine and unique gilt brass solar power dome clock with cloisonné enamel scene “The Jungle” by Mme. Pellarin with fitted presentation box and original certificate of origin

1957
310mm. Height
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$960,000 - 1,440,000 
€106,000-159,000
$123,000-185,000

Sold for HK$1,187,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX

Hong Kong Auction 29 May 2018