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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Patek Philippe Gondolo open face pocketwatch

Partially verified

This Patek Philippe open face pocketwatch, manufactured in 1905, is an example of the Gondolo reference. The watch features an 18ct rose gold case in a bassine style, measuring 55mm in diameter. The dial is made of white enamel and displays black Roman numeral hour markers, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The time is indicated by yellow gold spade hands. The watch is powered by a manually wound caliber 21''' movement. The case back is engraved with inscriptions related to the collaborative relationship between Patek Philippe and the Brazilian watch retailer, Gondolo & Labouriau. This timepiece is accompanied by an extract from the archives. The design reflects the partnership between the manufacturer and the Rio de Janeiro-based retailer which existed between 1872 and 1927.

Front view of the 18ct rose gold Patek Philippe Gondolo open face pocketwatch showing the white enamel dial and subsidiary seconds.
Front view of the 18ct rose gold Patek Philippe Gondolo open face pocketwatch showing the white enamel dial and subsidiary seconds. — Somlo London. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.somlo.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
Gondolo
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1905
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
135588

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 Design

The watch is housed in an 18ct rose gold case of bassine construction, measuring 55mm across. The rear cover exhibits a detailed guilloche engine-turned finish centered by a circular plain medallion.

The white enamel dial is marked with black Roman numerals for the hours and an outer track for minutes. It includes a recessed subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The signature of the manufacturer and city is present on the dial, along with the text 'CHRONOMETRO GONDOLO' placed above the sub-seconds chapter.

Evidence for this section
  • “Material : 18ct rose gold”
  • “Features : Open face, bassine style and subsidary seconds”
  • “Dial : White enamel dial with outer minute track featuring black Roman numeral hour markers with yellow gold spade hands and a sub-seconds dial at 6 o'clock”

Movement and Specifications

The timepiece is driven by a manually wound movement, identified by the caliber 21'''.

This watch is defined within the Gondolo product reference. The mechanical movement provides standard timekeeping functions with the subsidiary seconds indicator.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: Manual”
  • “Calibre: 21'''”
  • “These timepieces with manually wound movements are produced in compliance with the strict directives of the Patek Philippe Seal”

Collaboration and Inscription

The internal case engraving provides evidence of the historical partnership between Patek Philippe and the Rio de Janeiro retailer, Gondolo & Labouriau. The inscription reads, 'Fabricado expressamente para Gondolo & Labouriau', indicating the watch was produced for this specific retail entity.

This collaboration spanned 55 years, commencing in 1872 and concluding in 1927.

Evidence for this section
  • “The collaboration between Patek and Gondolo & Labouriau continued for 55 years and ended in 1927.”

Open research questions

  • To what extent does the case serial number 135588 correlate with the 1905 manufacturing date in Patek Philippe production records?
  • What specific differences distinguish the 21''' caliber used in this Gondolo series from contemporary Patek Philippe movements?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Gondolo open face pocketwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Year of manufacture1905“Made: 1905”
Case material18ct rose gold“Material : 18ct rose gold”
Case diameter55mm“Case dimensions: 55mm”
MovementManual“Movement: Manual”
Calibre21'''“Calibre: 21'''”
CollaborationGondolo & Labouriau“In 1872 Patek Philippe collaborated with Brazilian watch dealer Gondolo & Labouriau”

Visible details

  • Rose gold case back features a central circular medallion surrounded by guilloche engine turning
  • Case back interior bears the inscription 'Fabricado expressamente para Gondolo & Labouriau'
  • Movement caliber is listed as 21'''
  • Dial features the signature 'PATEK, PHILIPPE & CIE GENEVE'

Research qualifications

  • The specific serial number 135588 is visible in the engraving but not explicitly confirmed in the text
  • The exact mechanical state of the movement is not detailed in the source

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

Consulted source

18ct rose gold Patek Philippe Gondolo open face pocketwatch. Made 1905

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record cc4b68399f

Terms in this record

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

Other open-face pocket watch records