Clock · Solar-powered dome table clock

Patek Philippe Ref. 707 "Arabesques" Solar-Powered Dome Table Clock

Partially verified

This Patek Philippe reference 707 dome table clock, model "Arabesques", is reported by the auction house to date to 1957 and was sold on January 23, 1959, based on its accompanying Extract from the Archives. Measuring 210 mm in height, the clock features an engraved gilt brass cylindrical case topped with a dome holding an angled photoelectric cell. The source states that the rotatable solar cell powers an internal storage accumulator linked to mechanical caliber 17-250 with 29 jewels. Visible on the front is a brushed gilt chapter ring with engraved hour batons, dauphine hands, and a signed gilt plaque.

Front view of the Patek Philippe Ref. 707 gilt brass solar-powered dome table clock — Phillips. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.phillips.com
Category: Clock · Solar-powered dome table clock
Maker / attribution: Patek Philippe
Reference: 707
Catalogue / lot identifier: 202
Source-reported date: 1957
Country: Switzerland
Source-reported serial: Movement No 872'672, Case No 147

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

Identity and Archival Documentation

This timepiece is a Patek Philippe reference 707 dome table clock catalogued under the model name "Arabesques". According to the seller's documentation, the clock is accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1957 and its subsequent sale on January 23, 1959. The cataloguing notes that this piece represents the third known example of reference 707-07E to appear on the market.

The movement number is listed as 872'672 and the case number is recorded as 147. Both the dial and the movement are stated in the catalogue entry to be signed by the manufacturer, though the movement signature is internal and not visible from the exterior front photograph.

Evidence for this section

“Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present clock in 1957 and its subsequent sale on January 23, 1959.”
“The present model is only the 3rd known reference 707-07E to appear on the market”
“Signed Dial and movement signed”
“Movement No 872'672”
“Case No 147”

Case Form and Dial Arrangement

The clock stands 210 mm in height and is constructed from gilt brass. Its exterior features a cylindrical body supported by ribbed feet and crowned by a domed top. The seller states that the gilt brass case is hand engraved with an "Arabesque" motif, which is visually apparent as floral scrollwork across the dome and front sections.

Positioned on the front of the cylindrical case is a central dial with a circular brushed gilt chapter ring and engraved hour index lines. Time is indicated by faceted hands, and a rectangular signed plaque reading 'PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVE' is applied beneath the 12 o'clock position.

Evidence for this section

“Dimensions 210mm Height”
“Material Gilt brass”
“The gilt brass case of the present model has been intricately and painstakingly hand engraved with an “Arabesque” motif”
“Cylindrical gilt brass casing supported by ribbed feet.”
“Central dial with a circular brushed gilt chapter ring, hour index lines, faceted hands, and a signed plaque reading 'PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVE'.”

Reported Solar Calibre and Mechanical Operation

The cataloguing identifies the clock's movement as manual caliber 17-250 with 29 jewels, operating with a photoelectric cell system. An angled solar panel is mounted within the top dome.

According to the source essay, light captured by the rotatable photoelectric panel supplies energy to an internal storage device, which powers the mechanical movement. The essay describes that energy can be stored mechanically by winding the spring or electronically in an accumulator, with cells switching over to charge the accumulator once fully wound. However, the internal caliber, wiring, and accumulator components are not documented through visual inspection in the front view.

Evidence for this section

“Calibre Photo-electric cell, cal. 17-250, 29 jewels”
“Housing the Patek Philippe manual caliber 17-250, a small rotatable solar panel on the top of the dome supplies energy to a storage device within, which in turn transmits energy to power the mechanical movement.”
“When the mechanism is fully wound, the cells switch over to charge the accumulator.”
“Angled solar photoelectric panel mounted within the domed top.”

Open research questions

What is the operational status and chemical condition of the internal electrical storage accumulator in movement 872'672?
What specific engraving layout is present on the side and rear panels not visible in the primary front photograph?
Where are the movement caliber markings and serial number 872'672 located on the internal mechanism?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Ref. 707 "Arabesques" Solar-Powered Dome Table Clock
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Reference	707	“Reference No 707”
Movement Number	872'672	“Movement No 872'672”
Case Number	147	“Case No 147”
Calibre	Photo-electric cell, cal. 17-250, 29 jewels	“Calibre Photo-electric cell, cal. 17-250, 29 jewels”
Material	Gilt brass	“Material Gilt brass”
Dimensions	210mm Height	“Dimensions 210mm Height”
Model Name	Arabesques	“Model Name "Arabesques"”
Reference Variant	707-07E	“The present model is only the 3rd known reference 707-07E to appear on the market”
Sale Date	January 23, 1959	“subsequent sale on January 23, 1959”

Visible details

Cylindrical gilt brass casing supported by ribbed feet.
Angled solar photoelectric panel mounted within the domed top.
Engraved arabesque floral scrollwork visible along the dome and side sections.
Central dial with a circular brushed gilt chapter ring, hour index lines, faceted hands, and a signed plaque reading 'PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVE'.

Research qualifications

Internal mechanical movement caliber 17-250 and movement inscriptions cannot be verified from the exterior front photograph.
Engraving across the side and rear panels is only partially visible.

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

Consulted source

Patek Philippe The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 1ee54d168b

Terms in this record

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