Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1965 Reference No: 711M Movement No: 873'762 Case No: 1'329 Model Name: "Waves" Material: Gilt Brass Calibre: Photo-electric cell, cal. 17-250, 29 jewels Dimensions: 210mm Height Signed: Dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied with an associated padded fitted storage box. Further accompanied with an Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1965 and its subsequent sale on June 19th, 1967
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe’s Dome Clocks were introduced to the public in 1955 with the exhibition of the first cloisonné enamel dome clock at the World Symposium and later at the Museum of Science in Boston. Called light-wounding table clocks, these timepieces collected, stored and converted the power of light in to mechanical energy. The first series of clocks like the present used a 17- ligne pocket watch movement powered through an electric winding device charged from the panel in the domed top. By the 1970s the second series was introduced using similar paneled domes, which now powered a quartz movement. By the early 21st-century the final and third series of movements removed the panels from the dome and the clocks functioned strictly on a quartz movement.
Since their introduction in the 1950s, Patek Philippe has produced a multitude of examples all characterized by the cylindrical case form and domed top, but each with a unique cloisonné enamel scene or like the present clock an engraved case. The clocks are hand engraved, and the present example with a geometric sinuous wave design spreading across the panel in repeating formation. The silvered color dial features a gilt chapter ring with button numerals and Dauphine hands. In addition to the geometric design the dome top features a personalized inscription reading “H.G. S. to P. H. In appreciation Best Wishes from all at Champion 1925-1968”. One can assume the clock was a retirement gift for an employee who had been with Champion for 43 years.
This “Wave” Dome Clock is a lovely representation of the early years of newly developed technology and provides great insight both in to the horological and future. It is a testament to their legacy that nearly 60 years since they were first introduced Patek Philippe continues to market these wonderful expressions of artistry and technology.
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.