PATEK PHILIPPE Rare pocket watch "Gondolo"

Description:

Switzerland around 1910
Ø 53 mm
900/000 silver (stamped). Two-cover case, white enamelled dial with round numerals, rose gold hands and small second. Probably individual number 257447 | movement number 153357. bridge movement, screw balance, lever escapement. Movement runs. Case with dents, dial has fine cracks. Weight 111.7 g
Privately owned in Bavaria, acquired in Brazil
Literature:
Peter Fries: Patek Philippe Museum, Treasures from the Patek Philippe Collection, Geneva 2022. See p. 301ff.
After Patek Philippe had already established very good business relations in North America, the company also considered expanding into Südamerica. Brazil in particular, which experienced great social and economic development in the second half of the 19th century, seemed more than suitable as a market for the Swiss company.
In 1872, a partnership was entered into with the renowned manufacturer Gondolo & Labouriau. Patek Philippe designs its own exclusive collection for its Brazilian partner. In March 1902, Patek even registered its own patent for the "Chronometro Gondolo". In the 1920s, the first wristwatches were also delivered to Brazil and sold successfully.
The marketing strategies of Gondolo & Labouriau were also completely new and üextremely innovative. For example, there was the "Patek Philippe Loyalty Club", whose membership was open to wide sections of the population, who could purchase exclusive models or even win watches in a lottery. One of the clubäs most legendary events were the festive picnics, for which the "Patek Waltz" was specially composed.
The successful partnership between Patek Philippe and Gondolo & Labouriau lasted 64 years, from 1872 to 1936, reaching its peak in the years from 1902 until the outbreak of the First World War. But it was the global economic crisis that brought the Brazilian retail company to its knees. The Gondolo collection from Patek Philippe still bears witness to this great collaboration today.