Busacca Gallery

Gold Pocket Watch - Patek Philippe and C-ie Genève / Chronometro Gondolo Model: Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo (circa ?) Type: Vintage/Antique Men’s Pocket Watch Size: 51mm Material: 18K Rose Gold One of the most renowned models of Patek Philippe pocket watches, the Chronometro Gondolo, was sold exclusively by Gondolo & Labouriau, a prominent jeweler in Rio de Janeiro. Utilizing an innovative marketing strategy, these watches feature enhanced technical elements that highlight Patek Philippe's exceptional watchmaking expertise. This line was associated with Gondolo & Labouriau, a luxury watch retailer in Rio de Janeiro. The partnership between Patek Philippe and Gondolo & Labouriau lasted from 1872 to 1927 and was instrumental in establishing the Patek Philippe brand in South America. The Chronometro Gondolo watches were known for their precision and high-quality craftsmanship. They were designed with a simplicity and elegance that made them stand out, typically featuring a gold case, minimalist dials, and finely crafted movements. Each piece was regulated to meet exacting standards and was stamped with the "Chronometro Gondolo" designation, reflecting its status as a top-tier timepiece. The Chronometro Gondolo line remains one of Patek Philippe's most collectible models, revered for its historical significance, beauty, and rarity. Today, these watches are highly sought after by collectors who value both the craftsmanship and the story of Patek Philippe's early expansion. Patek Philippe's Chronometro Gondolo pocket watches exemplify Swiss horological excellence and serve as a testament to the brand's history of creating timepieces for the world’s elite collectors. Condition: This is a pre-owned item and may display minor signs of cosmetic wear. However, it remains fully operational and functions as intended. Specifications: Department: Men Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Style: Luxury Brand: Patek Philippe Gender: Men’s Hands: Feuille hands Function: Sub Seconds, No Date Dial Color: White Overall Condition: Very Good This is a distinguished piece for collectors or those who appreciate timeless craftsmanship.

Switzerland Patek Philippe pocket watches represent the pinnacle of horological artistry, a legacy dating back to the company’s founding in 1839. Known for its precision engineering and exquisite craftsmanship, Patek Philippe established itself as a pioneer in the Swiss watch industry by creating some of the first keyless winding systems and perpetual calendars in pocket watches. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the brand’s pocket watches were highly sought after by royalty, heads of state, and discerning collectors around the world, including notable clients like Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Each piece was crafted by hand with meticulous attention to detail, often taking months or even years to complete. In the early 1900s, the collaboration between Patek Philippe and Brazilian retailer Gondolo & Labouriau led to the iconic "Chronometro Gondolo" line, which became a favorite among Brazilian collectors. While wristwatches eventually overtook pocket watches in popularity, Patek Philippe’s pocket watches remain prized for their technical innovations, elegant designs, and timeless quality, encapsulating a rich heritage that continues to influence luxury watchmaking today. Exceptional Attributes of This Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo Timepiece A unique, specially created caliber exclusively for the Gondolo model, found in no other Patek Philippe timepiece 18K gold wheel trains for enhanced functionality and aesthetic appeal Straight-line lever escapement "à moustaches" ("with mustaches") Enhanced micrometric regulator for precise adjustment of timekeeping Mainspring barrel arbor with a square indentation for efficient unwinding This offering features an original Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo pocket watch, complete with matching numbers and all original parts, including the dial, hands, winding crown, and bow. The watch is in outstanding, original condition. The case is well-preserved, with strong hinges and slight wear to details, along with minor gold wear in a few areas. It has never been personalized, and the cuvette proudly displays the full Chronometro Gondolo inscription. Unlike many watches of its age, the soft 18K case band and back remain free from significant dents. The original dial is just short of perfect mint condition, and the remarkable movement runs strong and true. Even after more than a century, this watch continues to keep exceptionally accurate time. For more insight into Gondolo & Labouriau's unique marketing approach, please view the excellent article posted on the Purist's website. Patek Philippe: A Legacy of Excellence Carefully preserved in the company’s green archive books are the names of Patek Philippe watch owners, including kings, queens, industry leaders, heads of state, Hollywood celebrities, and other prominent figures from both past and present. Many of the world’s most influential individuals, spanning entertainment, politics, the arts, and technical innovation, have proudly worn a Patek Philippe. Between 1910 and 1915, Patek Philippe produced only around twenty-five watches per day, a sharp contrast to other fine watchmakers like Omega, which manufactured 500 to 1,200 pieces daily. Notably, creating Patek's pocket watches required between nine months and a year to complete by hand. Details of This Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo Pocket Watch Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Country of Origin: Switzerland Year Built: c. ? Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds Designed For: Men Case Material: 18K gold Case Condition: Honest and original, with strong hinges; excellent condition with slight detail wear and minor gold wear. Never personalized, featuring the full Chronometro Gondolo inscription. The soft 18K case band and back are free from significant dents. Dimensions: 51mm diameter Dial: White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, Arabic five-minute numerals, subsidiary seconds; original, untouched, nearly mint. Hands: Original, gold "spade" hands with a blue steel counterweighted second hand Movement Type: Extremely high-grade keyless pocket chronometer, signed Patek Philippe, with frosted gilt, straight-line “mustache” lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, Wilmot’s patented micrometer cam regulator, wolf’s tooth winding wheels, and gold wheel train Movement Markings: Patek Philippe & Cie., Geneve, No. 136306 Crystal: Mineral glass, vintage, in excellent condition