Gondolo Annual Calendar

Not every timepiece from the world’s greatest watchmaker fits neatly into the mold of an overarching theme or collection.

While we love a simple Patek Philippe Calatrava, a sporty Aquanaut, or a complicated perpetual calendar as much as the next guy, the oddball, more overlooked and usually limited-production, shaped watches made by the maison in the second half of the 20th century are often some of the most innovative and charming in the brand’s oeuvre.

The Gondolo collection in particular has an interesting history rooted, not in Geneva, but Rio De Janeiro. The maison enjoyed a fruitful partnership with the Brazilian retailer, Gondolo & Labouriau, for almost 60 years and from that, the Chronometro Gondolo was born. Veering away from the traditional aesthetics of round-cased watches, the Chronometro Gondolo gave rise to the so-called ‘form’ watches produced by Patek.

This example, a Reference 5135G, dates to 2006 and features a broad 18K white gold tonneau case with a bit more presence compared to the more narrow silhouette of a traditional Gondolo. Housed in a 38mm case, this piece features a flat sapphire crystal, polished bezel, a slightly recessed, signed crown, and a sapphire exhibition caseback framing the maison's Calibre 324S QA LU 24H automatic movement.

Finished in a matte gray with a sunburst center, the dial features an array of polished details including applied 'dagger' indices, trapezoidal day-date-month apertures, a central minute track, a 24- hour subdial with moonphase display, and a matching dauphine handset.

Fitted to a signed brown alligator leather strap with an 18K white gold pin buckle, this piece offers something a bit off the beaten path stylistically for Patek Philippe, while displaying what the maison does best ...

High complication!