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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Solar-powered mantle clock

Patek Philippe Ref. 1489 Solar-Powered Clock

Partially verified

This solar-powered clock, numbered 873990, was produced by Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève and sold on September 28, 1967. The timepiece is a rectangular mantle clock constructed from brushed gilt brass with palisander panels. It features a unique power system that utilizes solar cells mounted on the top of the case to maintain a lithium battery back-up. This power source drives a remontoir train, which acts in place of a traditional barrel spring to operate the clock's mechanical movement. The time is displayed on a palisander dial adorned with simple bâton indexes and brass hands. Measuring 14 cm in height, 19.8 cm in width, and 9 cm in depth, the object is a specific application of solar technology integrated into a mechanical clock architecture. The clock is accompanied by its original sale receipt, documenting its provenance to 1967.

Front view of the Patek Philippe Ref. 1489 solar clock showing the palisander dial and brass baton hands.
Front view of the Patek Philippe Ref. 1489 solar clock showing the palisander dial and brass baton hands. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Clock · Solar-powered mantle clock
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe & Cie
Reference
1489
Catalogue / lot identifier
264
Source-reported date
September 28, 1967
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
873990

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

Design and Materials

The clock presents a rectangular form, dominated by its structural gilt brass frame and palisander panels. The design incorporates four square columns at the corners, which provide a vertical emphasis to the 14 cm tall housing. The top surface of the clock is functional, featuring a mounted array of solar cells that serve as the primary source for the power system.

The dial continues the material theme, finished in matching palisander. It is sparsely decorated, featuring only applied baton-style indexes and corresponding brass baton hands to indicate the time. The assembly is secured by a hinged back door, allowing access to the interior components.

Evidence for this section
  • “Brushed brass, palisander panels, 4 square columns, top with solar cells, hinged back door.”
  • “D. Palisander with bâton indexes. Brass ?bâton? hands.”

Movement and Mechanism

The timekeeping is powered by a 17-ligne Gondolo-based keyless mechanical movement. The system is notable for its solar energy integration; solar cells mounted on the clock top recharge a lithium battery back-up, which in turn powers the remontoir train. This remontoir replaces the function of a standard barrel spring in the mechanical architecture.

The movement is equipped with 29 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a monometallic balance adjusted to heat, cold, and a single position. A swan-neck micrometer regulator is included for fine adjustment. The dial and movement are confirmed as signed by the maker.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. based on a 17''' ?Gondolo? keyless mechanical movement, 29 jewels, straight line lever escapement”
  • “solar-powered with lithium battery back-up, driving a remontoir train which replaces the barrel spring. Dial and movement signed.”

Condition and Documentation

The auction house provides a general condition report for the object. The case is evaluated as being in good condition on a scale of 3-5, while the dial receives a rating of 2-01, denoting very good status. The movement is rated as 3*, with a recommendation for an overhaul to be performed at the expense of the purchaser.

The timepiece is accompanied by its original sale receipt, which aids in establishing the timeline of its original acquisition in 1967. No other specific historical documentation is provided by the source material.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good Case: 3-5 Good Poor Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “Accompanied by its original sale receipt.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific longevity of the lithium battery back-up system provided in 1967?
  • Are there recorded production numbers for the Ref. 1489 series as a whole?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Ref. 1489 Solar-Powered Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe & Cie, Genève“Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève”
Reference1489“Ref. 1489”
Serial Number873990“No. 873990”
Date of SaleSeptember 28, 1967“Sold on September 28, 1967”
Dimensions14 x 19.8 x 9 cm“height 14 cm., width 19.8 cm., depth 9 cm.”
Movement typeSolar-powered with remontoir train“solar-powered with lithium battery back-up, driving a remontoir train which replaces the barrel spring”
Movement base17''' Gondolo keyless mechanical movement“Cal. based on a 17''' ?Gondolo? keyless mechanical movement”
Movement features29 jewels, lever escapement, swan neck regulator“29 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to heat, cold and 1 position, ?swan neck? micrometer regulator”

Visible details

  • Case features four square vertical columns at the corners
  • The solar cell array is visibly inset into the top panel
  • Dial is constructed from palisander wood with applied baton hour markers
  • Hands are thin baton-style brass components

Research qualifications

  • Condition grading suggests an overhaul is recommended for the movement
  • Lithium battery status and long-term functional capacity are not verified

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

Consulted source

'Solar-Powered Clock' Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, No. 873990, Ref. 1489. Sold on September 28, 1967. Fine, rectangular, gilt brass, solar-powered clock with electricaly- wound remontoir. Accompanied by its original sale receipt.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 549eefd730

Terms in this record

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