Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Mar 17, 2013

LOT 469

PATEK PHILIPPE WORLD-TIME OBSERVATORY SIGNAL TOWER Patek, Philippe, Genève, Model L4011, L4021 & L4032. Made circa 1975. Very fine and rare, Integrated T3 Electronic Master Clock System, nine-module tower with two Model L4011 clocks based on radio signal from Observatory and five Model L4032 slave units showing the time in twenty-five dials.

CHF 10,000 - 15,000

USD 11,000 - 16,000 / EUR 8,000 - 12,000

Sold: CHF 12,500

A very powerful Master Clock System capable of controlling an almost unlimited number of ?slave? clocks. Can be regulated to 1/1000 of a second. 1. Module L 4011, radio controlled clock based on radio signal from Prangins Observatory 2. Clock B, module L 4011, based on quartz regulator 3. Module L 4021, minute comparator, constantly comparing if all clocks are running the same in terms of minutes and seconds 4. Five x Module L 4032, showing time in five dials per unit Each unit signed. DIAM. 120 x 42.5 x 23.5 cm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

This particular clock was sold by Beyer and used in the Zurich airport. The two main clock units measure the time separately. Each one is equipped with a quartz-crystal oscillator and electronic dividers. The results are compared in the control unit which is built into the time unit. If one of the clock units shows a difference, it is automatically switched off. To increase precision the clock system is synchronized each second by the time signal from the Prangins observatory, near Geneva. The radio station with the call letters HBG, located in Prangins, near Geneva Switzerland, is the official Swiss broadcaster of encoded time signals. The location of the antenna is: 46 degrees 24? North, and 6 degrees 15 ? East. It broadcasts at the exact frequency of 75 kHZ, and under good conditions its signal can be received at a distance of up to 1500 kilometers, covering most of continental Europe.The signal is processed by automatic radio clocks to display the exact time.