Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo 1912

This Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo from 1912 is a unique piece: the only Chronometro Gondolo in a square (carré) case with centre seconds.

The dial is entirely gravé and émaillé, in the early Patek Philippe style, with an enamel that is very flat, unlike the more raised enamel of later wristwatches. Dials of this kind are very rare in original condition. The most important feature is the “– T SWISS T –” signature at 6 o’clock. It has nothing to do with the tritium dials found on vintage Rolex wristwatches. It stands for Maurice Thiévant, master engraver at Cadran Stern, who taught Henri Stern the craft of hand-engraved and enamelled dials. Thanks to Thiévant, such finely worked dials are found on vintage Patek Philippe watches, as Henri Stern, fascinated by the craft, continued to produce Stern dials in this demanding style after learning it from him. Roland Tile, who also worked with Thiévant at Cadran Stern, confirmed this account.

Black and white portrait of Maurice Thiévant at his bench with a loupe on his forehead — Maurice Thiévant

Pages from the book Le Cadran by Dr. Crott, with text on the history of Cadran Stern — From “Le Cadran” by Dr. Crott

Page from Le Cadran by Dr. Crott showing the Chronometro Gondolo dial with its T SWISS T signature — From “Le Cadran”: the T SWISS T signature

The case was also in exceptional original condition, with the engraving on the caseback and the original crown, and no sign of restoration.

The case in profile

Square yellow gold caseback with engraved Patek Philippe lettering on a black strap — The engraved caseback

Open square watch showing silver movement with blued screws — The movement

A historically important Patek Philippe, because of its story with Cadran Stern and its uniqueness. The watch is also described on its watch page.

Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo, 1912 – a historically important unique piece