Patek Philippe Gondolo 482

Patek Philippe Reference 482 Gondolo | A yellow gold and sapphire-set square shaped wristwatch, Circa 1950

Dial: silvered Caliber: mechanical, 18 jewels Movement number: 986'869 Case: 18k yellow gold and sapphire-set, snap on case back Case number: 668'659 Closure: 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle Size: 33.5 x 25 mm Signed: case, dial, and movement Box: no Papers: noThe alluring case design of the Reference 482, with its allusions to the Art Deco and Modernist movements punctuated by the square-cut sapphire indices, is a visual symbol of Patek Philippe's mastery of the intersection of art, design and mechanical engineering. Possessing both form and function, the 482 was introduced in 1936 and ceased production in 1952. According to research, fewer than ten examples of this model have appeared at auction. The case was crafted by none other than Markowski, Patek Philippe's case maker of choice for executing the most complex case architectures. Identifiable by the Geneva Key No. 8 stamped on the inside case back, our present 482 joins the ranks of other unusually shaped and beautifully crafted references such as the Gilbert Albert 3424 and the 1450 Top Hat. For a similar example, see Huber & Banbery, Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. 2 , Second Edition, p. 156, pl. 234.