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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo pocket watch

Partially verified

Dating to circa 1914, this 56 mm open-face pocket watch by Patek Philippe was produced as part of the Chronometro Gondolo line. The 18k yellow gold case is decorated on its cover with engine turning and an interlaced enamel monogram 'A R', paired with an 18k yellow gold chain measuring 39 cm. The white enamel dial features Roman numeral hour markers, an outer railway minute track with five-minute Arabic markers, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. In addition to Patek Philippe & Cie Genève, the dial bears the retailer signature of Alberto Rocha. The internal gilt bridge movement, numbered 172518, features a bimetallic compensation balance, Breguet hairspring, and swan-neck precision regulator.

Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo open-face pocket watch in yellow gold with chain, ca. 1914
Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo open-face pocket watch in yellow gold with chain, ca. 1914 — Koller Auctions / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
2811
Source-reported date
ca. 1914
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
172518

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

Object Identity and Provenance

This pocket watch is identified as a Chronometro Gondolo model by Patek Philippe, with an approximate dating to circa 1914. The timepiece is associated with case number 275540 and features a large, engine-turned guilloché cover accented by an enamel monogram reading 'A R'.

The watch is accompanied by a matching 39 cm yellow gold 750 chain and a later-period Patek Philippe wooden box, rather than an original period presentation case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Patek Philippe, Chronometro Gondolo pocket watch, ca. 1914.”
  • “275540, large case with guilloché cover and enamel monogram: A R.”
  • “Spätere Patek Philippe Holzbox mit Umkarton”

Dial and Exterior Observations

The watch features a 56 mm open-face yellow gold 750 case. The white enamel dial is dual-signed, bearing both the Patek Philippe & Cie Genève branding and the name of the retailer, Alberto Rocha.

A gold fob chain, measured at 39 cm, is included. The internal cuvette bears an engraving identifying the watch as a Chronometro Gondolo.

Evidence for this section
  • “Feines Emailzifferblatt signiert: Patek Philippe & Cie Genève, Alberto Rocha”
  • “D 56 mm.”
  • “Auf der Cuvette graviert Chronometro Gondolo”

Technical Movement Specifications

The source identifies the movement as number 172518, described as a gilt bridge movement. Gondolo-specific requirements listed include the use of a compensation balance, a Breguet hairspring, and a swan-neck regulator with an eccentric adjustment.

The source notes that the movement gear train comprises minute, third, and fourth wheels made of pink (red) gold, and that the movement contains at least 18 jewels.

Evidence for this section
  • “Hochfeines, vergoldetes Brückenwerk Nr. 172518 mit Kompensationsunruh, Breguetspirale und Schwanenhals-Feinregulierung über Exzenter”
  • “das Räderwerk mit Minutenrad, Kleinbodenrad und Sekundenrad wurde aus Rotgold hergestellt”
  • “das Uhrwerk mit mindestens 18 Rubinen.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific provenance history of case number 275540 beyond its listing in the auction description?
  • Can the movement number 172518 be verified against Patek Philippe factory records to confirm original specifications?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case MaterialYellow gold 750“Yellow gold 750.”
Case Diameter56 mm“D 56 mm.”
Movement Number172518“vergoldetes Brückenwerk Nr. 172518”
Case Number275540“275540, large case with guilloché cover and enamel monogram: A R.”
Chain Length and MaterialYellow gold 750, 39 cm“Pocket watch chain in yellow gold 750, length 39 cm”
Retailer SignatureAlberto Rocha“Fine enamel dial signed: Patek Philippe & Cie Genève, Alberto Rocha”
RetailerAlberto Rocha“Feines Emailzifferblatt signiert: Patek Philippe & Cie Genève, Alberto Rocha”
Movement Caliber FeaturesBased on design patented by Adrien Philippe“Das Uhrwerk musste auf dem von Adrien Philippe patentierten Design basieren”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Roman numeral hour markers, outer minutes track, and subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock
  • Dial is signed 'ALBERTO ROCHA' below 12 o'clock and 'PATEK PHILIPPE & CIE GENÈVE' above the subdial
  • Attached multi-strand yellow gold curb link chain with a swivel clasp and T-bar terminal

Research qualifications

  • The movement and decorated case back are not visible in the provided image.
  • Accompanied by a later Patek Philippe wooden box rather than an original presentation box.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Patek Philippe, Chronometro Gondolo pocket watch, ca. 1914.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 6e320a13a3

Terms in this record

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

Other open-face pocket watch records