164 Patek Philippe Very Well Preserved and Fine, Chronometro Gondolo, Extra-Large Rectangular Curved Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, Hinged Back, Black Arabic Numbers Dial, Retailed by Gondolo & Labouriau

Estimate: €30,000 –⁠ 60,000

Model: Chronometro Gondolo
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1920's
Movement: Manual
Case N°: 604852
Movement N°: 175555
Dimensions: 29 × 40 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case

An exquisite embodiment of Art Deco modernism and a prime example of the roaring twenties’ spirit, the Chronometro Gondolo is a stellar representation of South American elegance and one of the finest oversized watches ever created by Patek Philippe. Manufactured in the early 1910s and 1920s in a very limited series, this timepiece exemplifies the brand’s dedication to meeting the unique demands of its clientele and retailers. Responding to the request for a movement with specific technical attributes, Patek Philippe crafted a wristwatch that quickly became highly coveted by collectors and pivotal to the brand’s legacy in the South American market. The allure of the present Chronometro lies in its hinged case and gentle curvature, but most notably, its impressive dimensions make it, even more than a century later, distinctly contemporary and a source of inspiration for numerous other models. Gondolo & Labouriau served as Patek Philippe’s exclusive retailer in Rio de Janeiro from the 1870s to the late 1920s, significantly boosting Patek Philippe’s presence in the Brazilian market. Today, Patek Philippe’s Chronometro Gondolo wristwatches are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity, size, and rich history. Production of these watches began in 1920, following specific requests from Gondolo & Labouriau, with ebauche manufactured around the 1910's with features such as a cam wheel regulator for precise adjustments, a mustache-shaped lever, wolf tooth winding gears, and gold wheels for the train. These high-grade movements were then housed in a variety of case sizes and shapes. Given its historical significance, aesthetic appeal, and rarity, this wristwatch stands as a true trophy piece.