Beschreibung:

Patek Philippe Follow Ref. 503 A fine and very rare solar-powered gilt brass table clock with perpetual calendar 1963 210 x 140 x 90mm. Dial and movement signed
Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1963 Reference No: 503 Movement No: 873'420 Case No: 1'231 Material: Gilt brass Calibre: Solar powered, cal. 17-250, 29 jewels Dimensions: 210 x 140 x 90mm. Signed: Dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe cardboard fitted box and Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present clock in 1963 and its subsequent sale on May 11, 1966. Catalogue Essay Developing a solar powered clock in the mid 60s’ must have been a daring challenge! Who else than a watchmaking company with a never-ending spirit for innovation like Patek Philippe would have been able to associate their mechanical expertise with the most advanced technology? Based on the same photo-electrical principles that power today’s communication satellites, this avant-garde table clock is powered by light. Even the movement only requires minimal exposure, as only 4 hours of light, natural or artificial, are required to keep the clock running for a day. The movement is further equipped with a backup battery system that allows it to work in complete darkness for at least a year. This clever feature appears to be very useful as the clock is a perpetual calendar that does not require any date adjustment. The excellent condition of the present example further enhances the timeless feel of its design. The modern, minimalist and asymmetrical dial displays three large apertures for the calendar that echoes the design of the airport’s arrival and departure board. This perpetual calendar clock that successfully displays great technical innovation and futuristic timeless design would be the perfect missing element in a vintage interior as well as a great addition to a contemporary interior. Read More Maker Bio Patek Philippe Swiss • 1839 Follow 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. View More Works