Important Watches

Geneva, Mar 20, 2010

LOT 231

Patek Philippe Le Tour du Monde de Magellan Piece Unique Patek Philippe, Genève, "Piece Unique ? Le Tour du Monde de Magellan", movement No. 874562, case No. 2189, ref. 797 E. Made as a unique piece in 1971 to celebrate the 450th anniversary of the death of Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521), and sold on September 13th, 1978. Very fine and unique, solar-powered and electro-mechanical, gilt-brass table clock with polychrome cloisonné enamel panels by AMB, Ann-Marie Barbault, depicting scenes of the Magellan?s exploration. Accompanied by the original Patek Philippe fitted box, instruction booklet, service letter and the Extract from the Archives.

C. Cylindrical brass with panels and domed top, the three side panels entirely polychrome cloisonné enameled with scenes of Magellan?s voyages, the left-hand panel signed AMB, the top designed as a globe with three sailing ships in the oceans and points of the compass, the solar cells on top of the dome, case raised on 3 ribbed feet. D. Matte off-white with applied brushed gilt chapter ring with radial black Roman numerals and Calatrava half-hour indexes. Gilt and black skeleton hands. M. Cal. 33, quartz, with photo-electric cell with lithium battery. Dial and movement signed. Dim. 21.5 x 12.8 cm.