Inspired by the “Chronometro Gondolo” collection that Patek had created in the early 1900s for upscale Brazilian importer “Gondolo & Labourier,” the Patek Philippe Gondolo was launched in 1993 as a means for Patek to embrace the Art Deco designs that were once again becoming popular in the world of watchmaking thanks to brands like JLC, Rolex and others with their Reversos, Cellini Princes and various other watches. Using the Art Deco skyscrapers that split the skylines of the world’s major citites, the Gondolo boasts a beautifully fashioned case that features a stepped bezel and soft curves in between these contrasting surfaces. A dress watch that is removed from the world of plainer round dress watches, the Gondolo adds some flair to the category of watch that is typically more refined, all the while maintaining the tenets of dress watch design, such as its understated dial design and precious metal construction on a leather strap.

In keeping with these parameters, the ref. 5135P that we have here sports a platinum case, a stunning anthracite dial that is rich with information thanks to its annual calendar complications, as powered by its automatic cal. 324 S QA LU 24H movement. Launched in 2004 and discontinued in 2010, the Gondolo Annual Calendar ref. 5135 saw a relatively brief production period, with its elaborate cushion-shaped construction speaking to the design language of the Art Deco period without going overboard and trying too hard. Demonstrating Patek’s ability as a watchmaker and designer to remain faithful to the adage that sometimes less is more, the ref 5135 has grown into a cult classic amongst Patek aficionados, and factory-sealed NOS examples like the one we have here certainly don’t come to the market often.

The watch is new and sealed and comes with box, brown shipping box, Certificate of Origin, booklets, document holder, setting tool and hangtag.