PATEK PHILIPPE GILDED BRASS AND RED LACQUER DESK CLOCK, REF. 801

Patek Philippe desk clocks are only now starting to be collected seriously and appreciated for their superlative level of finish and design. The early clocks in particular, made before the introduction of solid-state circuitry in the late 1970s, are bringing strong prices at auction. The 17”’ pocket watch movement that is utilized within this Patek Philippe system is powered by an accumulator that stores energy to keep the movement fully wound. Essentially, the clock is run by 19th century technology, powered with the cutting-edge solar technology developed by Patek Philippe in the 1950s and 60s. This system gave Patek Philippe the ability to create a seemingly endless array of designs inspired by clocks from the past, present and future.

This clock has an Empire-inspired aesthetic with a demi lune case decorated with archive described ‘grenat lacquer’ and a hand engraved sun motif surrounding the solar panel. (Grenat is a translated as a dark red or garnet color.) Its bold look, cutting-edge 1950s technology, and rare case configuration make the ref. 801 a statement clock for your mantelpiece. Less than five of these semi-circular style timepieces are known to exist and Collectability is pleased to offer two of these extraordinary examples.

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