Patek Philippe Gondolo Watches
The perfect combination of traditional and contemporary, Patek Philippe Gondolo watches are a modern-day interpretation of Art Deco. Containing timepieces of all shapes and sizes, this exquisite collection is a must for those who really want to make a bold statement with their choice of wristwatch.
The Range of Patek Philippe Gondolo Watches
Launched in 1993, Patek Philippe Gondolo watches are an homage to the streamlined decadence of the Art Deco styling. They featured cambered cases and that make for an extremely comfortable fit, and are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. The collection is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy unique-shaped timepieces, and pairs wonderfully with an elegant suit or evening wear. Primarily, the timepieces come in either a rectangular or barrel-shaped casing.
Barrel Casings
The Reference 5098 is an extremely popular choice for fans of the barrel casing. Its hand-guillochéed dial and large Breguet numerals are clearly inspired by the Art Deco movement, while it also features a dome-shaped sapphire glass case back, and the manual calibre 25-21-REC. Another model that is highly regarded is the Reference 5030, which is a three-handed timepiece – unlike the 5098 which only has an hour and minute hand. It also has a practical date display at 3 o’clock. The Arabic numerals are less ornate than its sister model, and follow the case shape around the edge of the dial.
If you are looking for something with a more modern feel, the Gondolo Calendario with the Reference 5135 might just be for you. It boasts sharp hour indices that run from the edge to the middle of the dial, surrounding the minute scale. The timepiece also features a moon phase dial at 6 o’clock, a day display at 11 o’clock and a month display at 2 o’clock. Its practical annual calendar means that you only need to manually wind the timepiece once every year, since it is unable to cope with the short month of February.
The Patek Philippe Gondolo collection also boasts some exquisite ladies’ timepieces, such as the References 7099 and 7042. The former boasts a random or snow-set case and dial, which recreates floral forms. It also features a combined 847 diamonds. Meanwhile, the 7042 marries diamonds and pearls effortlessly, mixing different cuts of white diamonds on the dial and case. The dial alone is encrusted with 263 diamonds, while 78 Akoya pearls adorn the bracelet.
Rectangular Casings
When it comes to rectangular cases, the Reference 5124 has a real modern design. It features dauphine hands and line indices, a small seconds dial at 6 o’clock, and also offers a view of the movement via a sapphire glass caseback. Another impressive example is the Reference 5200, which boasts additional complications. The lower portion of the dial has a window to display the day, as well as a pointer date with a 1-31 scale. On the upper half of the dial, the power reserve display shows how much of the eight-day power reserve remains.
One of the most particularly noteworthy examples of Patek Philippe Gondolo watches is the Reference 5100, which features a 34mm x 45mm yellow gold case and wing-like details on the side. It was created as an homage to the 1950’s Patek Reference 2544 “Manta Ray”, and includes yellow gold hour and minute centre hands, and yellow gold indices. There are also two subdials, with the lower one dedicated to the running seconds and the other one showing off how much of its impressive 10-day power reserve remains. Nicknamed the Patek Gondolo “10 day”, this timepiece is powered by a COSC-certified manual-wound mechanical movement.
A Modern Watch with a Long Tradition
Despite being a relatively late edition to the brand’s catalogue, Patek Philippe Gondolo watches actually have a long backstory. The history of this collection actually goes back several decades, paying homage to the brand’s successful collaboration with Brazilian watch dealer Gondolo & Labouriau. The cooperation between the two parties started all the way back in 1872 and lasted for 55 years, before ending in 1927. Such was the success of this partnership, that a third of all Patek Philippe were sold in South America as a result of the agreement.
Rich Brazilians saw Patek Philippe timepieces as status symbols, creating the so-called “Gondolo Gang”. This movement was made up of individual clubs, each with 180 members. In 1907, there were a total of 54 clubs in Brazil, with all members wearing large straw hats with “PATEK” written on the front. Owning a Patek Philippe was a way for someone to show off their success and make them feel like they had really made it in life.
Art Deco Perfected
Patek Philippe Gondolo watches are a celebration of the Art Deco movement that was in full swing during the time of the partnership with Gondolo & Labouriau. The collection perfectly embodies what the movement stood for; elegance, drama and boldness. They either come in pillow-shaped or rectangular cases, and are available exclusively in precious materials such as platinum or gold. While some designs are more subdued, others are extremely flamboyant – featuring design elements like diamonds or pearls. There are models with Breguet hands, while others have more minimalist indices.
The beautiful exterior is complemented perfectly by the intricate mechanisms within. In-house calibres work away inside these watches, providing them with a power reserve of up to eight days. They also provide the timepieces with additional complications such as a moon phase or annual calendar. If you are looking for a real fashion statement, Patek Philippe Gondolo watches are the perfect solution.