
Pocket Watches · Pocket watch
Patek Philippe Gondolo Rose Gold Chronograph Pocket Watch, c. 1920s
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe (maker)
- Date
- c. 1920s
- Historical period
- Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking (1900 – 1945)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Pocket watch
- Materials / technique
- gold
- Dealer
- WatchMuseum.org shop
- Stock no.
- Product 2419
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, WatchMuseum.org shop (product 2419)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Patek Philippe Gondolo Rose Gold Chronograph Pocket Watch (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by WatchMuseum.org shop (stock number Product 2419), this is a pocket watch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1920s. The Atlas places it in the Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking period (1900 – 1945) of its Pocket Watches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop
The Patek Philippe Gondolo Rose Gold Chronograph Pocket Watch from the 1920s stands as a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance that define the Patek Philippe legacy. This rare and valuable timepiece, encased in luxurious rose gold, showcases the sophisticated artistry and meticulous engineering synonymous with one of the world’s most prestigious watchmakers. Its keyless lever mechanism and open face chronograph design not only highlight the innovative spirit of the era but also ensure precision and reliability. Collectors and horology enthusiasts will appreciate the Gondolo’s blend of historical significance and aesthetic beauty, making it a coveted addition to any distinguished collection. Introducing the remarkable Patek Philippe Gondolo, a rare and valuable large rose gold keyless lever open face chronograph pocket watch dating back to the 1920s. What makes this timepiece even more special is that it comes with its original box. The white enamel dial is in superb condition, with Roman numerals and an outer minute track featuring Arabic five-minute markers. The dial also features a subsidiary dial to record the minutes at twelve o’clock and a subsidiary seconds dial located at six o’clock. The rose gold spade hands, original blued steel chronograph hand, and matching sub-second dial hands are all present. One interesting detail about this piece is that the dial is not signed, which could indicate that it was a proto-type Gondolo Chronograph made for their Brazilian Agent. The large 18ct rose gold case is decorated with engine turning on the back, and a round vacant cartouche. The back opens to reveal the inner cover engraved by Patek, which states that the watch was expressly made for Gondolo & Labouriau, their Brazilian agent. The case is Swiss Hallmarked and signed, with a unique serial number. This timepiece’s movement is equally impressive, as it is a superb keyless lever movement that is fully jewelled, signed, and numbered. It features micrometre regulation, compensation balance, and wide arm lever and is intricately designed, with the entire chronograph mechanism visible on the top plate. It is exceedingly rare to find a pocket watch with a chronograph mechanism, making this particular piece an exceptional addition to any collection. An extract for this watch has been applied for and will be provided. Don’t miss your chance to own a truly remarkable piece of history. Creator: Patek Philippe Design: Pocket Watch Case Material: 18k Gold,Rose Gold Case Shape: Round Movement: Manual Wind Case Dimensions: Diameter: 58 mm (2.29 in) Place of Origin: Switzerland Period: Early 20th Century Date of Manufacture: C1920s Condition: Excellent. In original box.
Historical context
Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking (1900 – 1945)
The wristwatch displaces the pocket watch; waterproof cases, self-winding and grand complications.
The pocket watch reached technical maturity and then began to give way to the wristwatch after the First World War. Complicated watches for collectors such as Henry Graves Jr. and James Ward Packard, railroad watches, and slim Art Deco dress watches are characteristic.
Read the period in the timelineMore pocket watches from this periodEarlier: Industrial Revolution
Atlas type guide
Chronographs and split-seconds watches
A chronograph is a watch with an additional seconds hand that can be started, stopped and returned to zero independently of the timekeeping. Louis Moinet built an early example in 1816 and Nicolas Rieussec a recording 'chronographe' in 1821; Adolphe Nicole's heart-shaped reset cam (patented 1862) made the modern return-to-zero possible. Split-seconds (rattrapante) chronographs add a second hand that can be stopped for intermediate times; flyback chronographs restart instantly.
Chronographs were essential tools for doctors (pulsometer scales), artillery (telemeter), engineers and sport. In wristwatches, Valjoux, Venus, Lemania and later the automatic chronographs of 1969 (Zenith El Primero, the Chronomatic Calibre 11 group and Seiko 6139) are milestones.
What to look for
- Push-pieces on the case band or a single button in the crown (monopusher).
- Subsidiary registers for minutes and hours; tachymeter, telemeter or pulsometer scales.
- Column wheel versus cam control visible in the movement.
- Calibre markings of specialist makers (Valjoux, Lemania, Venus, Landeron).
Dating clues
- Pocket chronographs with heart cam reset: after 1862.
- Wrist chronographs: from c. 1910; two-button designs from the 1930s.
- Automatic chronographs: from 1969.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
Read next:Flyback chronographChronograph
Related records
Clocks · 1965–1975
Quartz master clock QM 1, with movement by Patek Phillippe, Switzerland, 1965–1975. Supplied by English Clock Systems.
Science Museum Group, London
Instruments · 1965–1984
Chronometer by Patek Philippe and Kelvin Hughes, England, 1965–1984
Science Museum Group, London
Pocket Watches · c. 1895
Patek Philippe pocket watch, c. 1895
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Pocket Watches · c. 1900
Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo, c. 1900
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Pocket Watches · c. 1900
Pocket watch by A. Sandoz-Boucherin, Switzerland, c. 1900
German Clock Museum
Pocket Watches · 1900
Pocket watch by Armand Schwob & Frère, Switzerland, 1900
Science Museum Group, London
Pocket Watches · c. 1900
Pocket watch by Vve. Chs. Léon Schmid und Cie, Switzerland, c. 1900
German Clock Museum
Pocket Watches · 1900
Pocket watch by Zenith, Switzerland, 1900
Museum Rotterdam
