Patek Philippe, A Rare and Early Gilt Brass Mechanical and Solar Powered Table Clock


Reference: 809 "The Burgundy"Movement No: 873'539Case No: 1'098Year: 1964Calibre: 17‴ 250, Photo-electric cellDial: Gilt chapter ring with Roman numerals, Burgundy red and gold coloured masking with decorative engraved mounts to each corner, signedCase: Height 23cm, large and heavy gilt rectangular case with Burgundy red and gold coloured side panels, gilt back hinged door, signedAccompaniments: Extract from the Archives confirming date of manufacture in 1964 and original date of purchase on 10th January 1966
|百達翡麗，809型號，「The Burgundy」，罕有及鍍金黃銅機械太陽能坐檯鐘，1964年。The present Patek Philippe reference 809 houses one of the earliest examples of photo voltaic powered mechanical movements photo-electric cell calibre 17‴ 250, developed by Patek Philippe and first debuted at the World Symposium in 1955 in the famous dome clocks. The present example Ref. 809 represents a milestone in Patek Philippe's technological development as a large solar panel situated at the top of the case supplies energy to a photo-cell that in turn transmits power to the mechanical movement. Another progressive addition at the time was a battery system to provide back-up power in case of limited sun transmission. According to our research, this is only the third Ref. 809 to ever appear at auction and it is the only known example with burgundy panels. The other two versions that appeared had blackened panels. The colour of the present example is most appealing and reminiscent of a beautifully preserved wine. This fantastic clock is well-preserved and is sure to appeal to the most discerning connoisseurs.