Not every timepiece from the world’s greatest watchmaker fits neatly into the mold of an overarching theme or collection.
While we love a simple Calatrava, a sporty Aquanaut, or a complicated perpetual calendar as much as the next guy, the oddball, more overlooked and usually limited-production shaped watches made by the maison in second half of the 20th century are often some of the most innovative and charming in the brand’s oeuvre.
The Gondolo collection in particular has an interesting history rooted, not in Geneva, but Rio de Janeiro. Patek enjoyed a fruitful partnership with the Brazilian retailer, Gondolo & Labouriau, for almost 60 years — from that, the Gondolo collection was born. Veering away from the traditional aesthetics of round-cased watches, the Gondolo contains a wide variety of complications in tonneau-shaped cases that explore a more adventurous side of Patek Phillipe’s watchmaking.
Take this ladies’ Gondolo ref. 4866/120G-001, for example. Housed in a 25mm square 18K white gold case with a sapphire crystal and a signed crown, it features a diamond-set inner bezel and lugs that seamlessly pair with a matching, diamond-set multi-link bracelet. Its mother-of-pearl dial, meanwhile, is intersected with elegant, applied white gold hour indices, while an inner square of diamonds is finished with a white gold ‘baton’ handset.
Powered by the Patek Philippe Calibre E-15 quartz movement, this stunning, no-fuss Patek Philippe Gondolo is the perfect dress watch companion for an elegant, formal evening. Once you see it in person, we know you won’t be able to resist its charms!