The history of this Patek Philippe Gondolo
The House of Patek Philippe has a fascinating link with South America. In the early 20th century, a Rio de Janeiro retailer called Gondolo et Labouriau alone sold almost a third of Geneva's production. It was so successful that local customers no longer said they were buying a watch, but a Gondolo. To get round Brazil's gambling laws, the retailer even set up a 79-member club, where a weekly draw gave the winner the chance to win a timepiece immediately. In homage to this golden age and the Art Deco aesthetic, the manufacture relaunched this singular collection in the 1990s. It is within this rich heritage that the Patek Philippe Gondolo 4824J-011 watch is set, with its timeless design and such rigorous architecture.
Case, calibre and bracelet of this Gondolo
The armour of this piece is distinguished by an asymmetrical stepped profile forged in 18k yellow gold. Measuring just 22 mm wide and 28.5 mm long from horn to horn, it fits perfectly on the wrist. With no traditional lugs, the case integrates the bracelet directly into its structure. The opaline white dial highlights 12 hand-applied Arabic numerals. The discreet presence of the sigma logo at 6 o'clock ensures that these appliques, like the sword-shaped hands, are machined from solid gold. Beneath the solid caseback secured by 4 screws beats the E15 quartz calibre. This manufacture movement, with 6 jewels and oscillating at a frequency of 32768 Hz, offers absolute precision. The whole is adorned with a sky-blue alligator leather strap held in place by its original geometric pin buckle in solid yellow gold.
Why this Patek Philippe watch
Acquiring a shaped piece from the Geneva manufacture represents an aesthete's choice. This model captivates with its visual balance between the classic warmth of yellow gold and the bold touch of its blue bracelet. In contrast to the ubiquitous sports collections, the Gondolo range is an obvious choice for formal evening wear or for everyday wrist wear. The absolute reliability of its quartz movement means that it can be left in the safe and worn on the wrist without the need for the slightest time adjustment. It is a refined gateway into the world of very fine watchmaking, offering a pure design that is unaffected by passing fashions.
Delivered contents and condition
Sold in December 2002, this watch is accompanied by its certificate of origin guaranteeing that the serial numbers of its case and movement match perfectly. It also comes with its original burgundy case. The inside of the case shows the typical disintegration of the lining and the central cushion is missing, which is paradoxically a formal mark of authenticity for cases from this period. The case has benefited from polishing to revive the lustre of the precious metal, although a few deeper marks deliberately remain on the sides to preserve the original geometry of the solid gold.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this piece. We accept returns within 10 days according to our conditions. As Switzerland's leading second-hand retailer with the largest network of boutiques, we offer online booking for onsite fitting and collection or fully secure international shipping.
* Good condition - Watch already worn. Some signs of wear (micro scratches, wear marks...). Fully functional and tested by our partner watchmakers.
