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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Keyless pocket watch

Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 18K gold keyless Chronometro Gondolo pocket watch was made by Patek, Philippe & Cie. of Geneva, circa 1915, for the retailer Gondolo & Labouriau in Rio de Janeiro. The piece features a four-body bassine-style case with an engine-turned back and a hinged gold cuvette. Its white enamel dial displays Roman numeral hour markers, an outer Arabic minute ring, and a sunk subsidiary seconds dial, all complemented by gold spade hands. The internal mechanism is a 47 mm (21 ligne) frosted gilt bridge caliber, equipped with 21 jewels and a gold train. It utilizes a straight-line moustache lever escapement, a cut bimetallic compensation balance with a blued steel Breguet hairspring, and includes Wilmot’s patented micrometric cam regulator. The dial, case, and movement are signed. The watch has a total diameter of 56 mm.

Patek Philippe 18K gold Chronometro Gondolo pocket watch, circa 1915.
Patek Philippe 18K gold Chronometro Gondolo pocket watch, circa 1915. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Keyless pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Patek, Philippe & Cie.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
135
Source-reported date
circa 1915
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
172583

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in an 18K gold four-body case. The design is identified as a bassine style, which incorporates a smooth, rounded profile. The exterior of the case back is decorated with engine-turned ornamentation. The watch includes a hinged gold cuvette protecting the movement, which serves as a dust cover.

The dial is manufactured from white enamel. The hour markers are presented in Roman numerals, while a secondary track provides an outer Arabic minute ring. A sunk subsidiary dial for seconds is located at the six o'clock position. The time is indicated by gold spade-shaped hands, which are set against the plain white backdrop of the enamel.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. four-body, "bassine", engine-turned back, hinged gold cuvette.”
  • “D. white enamel with Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring and sunk subsidiary seconds. Gold "spade" hands.”

Movement and Escapement

The watch is powered by a 47 mm, or 21 ligne, frosted gilt bridge caliber. The movement construction is patented and features a gold gear train. It is jeweled with 21 stones throughout the mechanism to minimize friction.

The escapement is a straight-line type characterized by a moustache lever. For timekeeping regulation, the watch uses a cut bimetallic compensation balance, paired with a blued steel Breguet-style hairspring. It also incorporates Wilmot’s patented micrometric cam regulator, which allows for precise adjustment of the balance timing.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. 47 mm (21’’’), frosted gilt patented bridge caliber, 21 jewels, gold train, straight line "moustache" lever escapement”
  • “cut bimetallic compensation balance with blued steel Breguet balance spring, Wilmot’s patented micrometric cam regulator.”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description assigns the manufacture to the early 20th century, specifically circa 1915.

Regarding the current state of the object, the auction report provides a grading of 'AA' and describes the movement condition as '3* Good'. Signatures of the maker are confirmed on the dial, case, and movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “made for Gondolo & Labouriau, Relojoeiros, Rio de Janeiro, circa 1915.”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”
  • “Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production volume of the 21 ligne Gondolo caliber during this period?
  • Does the case number correspond to internal production records of Patek Philippe for the Brazilian market?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek, Philippe & Cie.“Patek, Philippe & Cie., Genève”
Movement number172583“No. 172583”
Case number276306“case No. 276306”
RetailerGondolo & Labouriau“made for Gondolo & Labouriau, Relojoeiros, Rio de Janeiro”
EscapementStraight line moustache lever“straight line "moustache" lever escapement”
Caliber size21 ligne“47 mm (21’’’)”
Condition assessmentGood“Movement: 3* Good”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with subsidiary seconds
  • Gold spade hands
  • Engine-turned case back pattern
  • Pendant set crown and bow

Research qualifications

  • Requires mechanical overhaul
  • Date is specified as approximate

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Patek, Philippe & Cie., Genève, No. 172583, case No. 276306, made for Gondolo & Labouriau, Relojoeiros, Rio de Janeiro, circa 1915.Very fine, 18K gold keyless Chronometro Gondolo watch.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 2ea2f5c874

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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