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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Table clock

Patek Philippe Pendulette Dôme 'Cygnes et Mouettes', Ref. 1437

Partially verified

This unique Patek Philippe Pendulette Dôme table clock, identified as reference 1437 and numbered 1804704, was produced in the late 1990s and sold in 2008. The enamel work is attributed to A. M. Secretan, whose initials are signed on the lower left of the right-hand panel. The clock is powered by a solar-charged electro-mechanical movement, calibre 17???, which utilizes a photoelectric cell and lithium battery to drive a remontoire train. The white dial includes an applied brushed gilt chapter ring with radial Roman numerals and Calatrava cross indices, further accented by matching enamel spandrels. The ensemble includes its original fitted box, Certificate of Origin, and supporting documentation detailing the design process.

The Patek Philippe Ref. 1437 clock, its original fitted box, the Certificate of Origin, and a framed design drawing.
The Patek Philippe Ref. 1437 clock, its original fitted box, the Certificate of Origin, and a framed design drawing. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Clock · Table clock
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
1437
Catalogue / lot identifier
133
Source-reported date
late 1990s
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
1804704

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

Enamel Decoration and Case Construction

The clock is housed in a cylindrical brass body supported by three ribbed feet, creating a base for its thematic cloisonné enamel panels. These panels feature a detailed scene of swans on a lake, integrated with aquatic vegetation such as bullrushes. The domed top of the clock, which also functions as the mount for the solar cells, is decorated with a multitude of seagulls circling in a blue sky.

M. Secretan, indicated by the signature AMSB on the lower right-hand panel. The dial continues this design scheme, utilizing applied enameled spandrels that echo the motifs of seagulls and water plants found on the exterior. This integration of enamel across the dome, panels, and dial spandrels creates a cohesive visual representation of the 'Cygnes et Mouettes' theme.

Evidence for this section
  • “polychrome cloisonné enamel panels depicting swans and seagulls”
  • “the cloisonné enamel panels by A. M. Secretan”
  • “polychrome cloisonné enameled domed top decorated to give the effect of the sky with a multitude of seagulls circling”

Movement and Solar Power System

The movement is designated as calibre 17???, an electro-mechanical system engineered for solar operation. Energy is harvested via a photoelectric cell integrated into the upper dome of the clock. This system powers a remontoire train, which in turn winds a barrel spring to regulate the timekeeping function. A lithium battery is included within the system to provide necessary backup power for the movement.

Technical components within the movement include 29 jewels and a straight-line lever escapement. The balance system is of the Gyromax type, paired with a self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Fine adjustments are managed through a 'swanneck' micrometer regulator. The movement is signed to verify its origin and configuration within the Patek Philippe manufacture.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 17???, solar-powered by photoelectric cell with lithium battery backup, driving a remontoire train”
  • “29 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, Gyromax balance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, ?swanneck? micrometer regulator”

Provenance and Documentation

Sold on April 30th, 2008, this clock is noted as a 'Pièce Unique'. It is accompanied by an extensive set of documentation, including the Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin and a fitted presentation box. Additional items include a framed copy of the original design for the cloisonné enamels produced by A. M. Secretan, which is dated August 1996.

The lot is further documented by a Patek Philippe service invoice issued in 2011. The presence of the design documentation provides historical context for the creation of the enamels used in the assembly of the clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “sold on April 30th, 2008”
  • “Accompanied by a Patek Philippe fitted box, Certificate of Origin, a framed copy of the original design for the cloisonné enamels by A. M. Secretan, dated August 1996”
  • “Patek Philippe service invoice dated 2011”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nomenclature for the movement designated as '17???' in the Patek Philippe records?
  • How many total Pendulette Dôme clocks were produced with the 'Cygnes et Mouettes' motif by A. M. Secretan?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Pendulette Dôme 'Cygnes et Mouettes', Ref. 1437
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe“Patek Philippe, Genève”
ModelPendulette Dôme 'Cygnes et Mouettes'“'Pièce Unique - Pendulette Dôme 'Cygnes et Mouettes'”
Reference1437“Ref. 1437”
Serial Number1804704“No. 1804704”
Enamel ArtistA. M. Secretan“the cloisonné enamel panels by A. M. Secretan”
Date of Manufacturelate 1990s“Made in the late 1990s”
Movement TypeSolar-powered electro-mechanical“solar-powered and electro-mechanical brass table clock”
Dimensions22 x 12.5 cm“Dim. 22 x 12.5 cm”

Visible details

  • Cylindrical brass case with three ribbed feet
  • Solar cell array integrated into the top of the enamel dome
  • Applied brushed gilt chapter ring with radial Roman numerals and Calatrava cross indexes
  • Enamel spandrels on the dial feature water plants and seagulls

Research qualifications

  • The exact calibre number is listed as '17???' in the provided documentation
  • The enamel work is specifically noted as 'attributed to' or 'by' A. M. Secretan without further biography

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

Consulted source

PATEK PHILIPPE, REF. 1437, 'CYGNES ET MOUETTES' PENDULETTE DOME Patek Philippe, Genève, 'Pièce Unique - Pendulette Dôme 'Cygnes et Mouettes' No. 1804704, Ref. 1437, the cloisonné enamel panels by A. M. Secretan. Made in the late 1990s, sold on April 30th, 2008. Very fine and unique, solar-powered and electro-mechanical brass table clock with polychrome cloisonné enamel panels depicting swans and seagulls. Accompanied by a Patek Philippe fitted box, Certificate of Origin, a framed copy of the original design for the cloisonné enamels by A. M. Secretan, dated August 1996, and a Patek Philippe service invoice dated 2011.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record b9f577efec

Terms in this record

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

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