Beschreibung:

Patek Philippe
Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1908 / 1920 Movement No: 147'144 Case No: 285'620 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 12''' Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle Dimensions: 47mm long Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of manufacture in 1908 and subsequent sale on June 15, 1920 Literature: A similar watch is featured in "Patek Philippe" by Huber and Banbury p.103 Catalogue Essay The tonneau-shaped wristwatch is one of the most distinct and distinguished case designs ever produced, and one historically linked to the earliest beginnings of wristwatch manufacturing. Early wristwatches were often pocket watches with lugs soldered to the case, but the first true wristwatch was a creation unto its own. These were timepieces meant to be worn on the wrist, and the long elegant slope of the tonneau-shape fit more appropriately on the wrist than the larger rounded form of the pocket watch. It is interesting to note that polite society saw the wristwatch as an infringement on everyday norms. In 1913, the Revue Internationale de l’Horologerie Suisse published an article “Can the Wristwatch be a Good Timekeeping Instrument?”. It was not until after World War II that the wristwatch became part of our daily accessories. There are several theories as to why the tonneau-shaped watch came into existence. Some believe it was the desire to create a new form and make a clean break from tradition. Others proposed a more practical reason, with the top and bottom of the case allowing for the strap to sit flat and not rub against the case, which happened with converted pocket watches. The present lot is a superb example of the flamboyance of Patek Philippe’s Art Deco modern style. The large curved case with finely guilloché dial is a disruptive break from the horological codes of the past and established a new genetic code for the future. So timeless is its style that, in 2008, Patek Philippe reintroduced this tonneau-shaped wristwatch within the Gondolo collection with the reference 5098. This lovely Patek Philippe wristwatch is a fine example of one of the earliest models of the wristwatch. Manufactured some 100 years ago, it isone out of the 19 oversized Patek Philippe tonneau models known. It remains in stunning, original overall condition with a beautifully aged dial having taken on a warm, aubergine hue. A hardly ever seen early Patek Philippe wristwatch that is a true treasure for the collector. Read More