Patek Philippe Gondolo 4962/200R

Patek Philippe Gondolo Serata 4962/200R Spessartine Pave 18k RG

Inspired by the “Chronometro Gondolo” collection that Patek had created in the early 1900s for upscale Brazilian importer “Gondolo & Labourier,” the Patek Philippe Gondolo was launched in 1993 as a means for Patek to embrace the Art Deco designs that were once again becoming popular in the world of watchmaking thanks to brands like JLC, Rolex and others with their Reversos, Cellini Princes and various other watches. Using the Art Deco skyscrapers that split the skylines of the world’s major citites, the Gondolo boasts a beautifully fashioned case that features a stepped bezel and soft curves in between these contrasting surfaces. A dress watch that is removed from the world of plainer round dress watches, the Gondolo adds some flair to the category of watch that is typically more refined, all the while maintaining the tenets of dress watch design, such as its understated dial design, manual-wind movement and precious metal construction on a leather strap. However, embracing the more flamboyant side of the Art Deco movement, the example we have here, the Gondolo Serata ref. 4962 is perhaps one of Patek’s most exuberant modern offerings. Boasting a curvy 18kt rose gold construction, the ref. 4962 features 94 spessartites totaling just over 2 carats set across its bezel and case. Arranged in a double color gradient ranging from a darker cognac tone at 12 and 6 o’clock graduating to a lighter mandarin tone that meets in the middle at 9 and 3 o’clock, the ref. 4962 is a lesson in gem setting and gem selection. Matching the hues of its spessartites and rose gold construction, the ref. 4962 features a brown lacquered dial with a floral motif and leaf ‘feuille’ hands that combine to really enhance this example’s whimsical flowy aesthetic. THE DIAL Fitted with a brown lacquered dial that features a floral motif and leaf-shaped ‘feuille’ hands that perfectly match the dial's design, the ref. 4962 showcases the careful consideration and effort that has gone into its design, much like its impeccably gem-set case. THE CONSTRUCTION With its uniquely-shaped curvy shape and gem-set case, the ref. 4962 brings an abundance of exuberance to the wrist of its wearer with its rose gold construction communicating pure oppulence. THE PROFILE Thanks to its curvy profile, the ref. 4962 drapes close to the wrist as it wraps around its wearer with complete comfort.