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, manual-wind movement and precious metal construction on a leather strap.

In keeping with these parameters, the ref. 5101R that we have here sports an 18kt rose gold case, a stunning grey dial with a silver running seconds subdial at 6 o’clock and another silver subdial at 12 o’clock for its massive 10-day power reserve. Powered by the manual-wind cal. T 28-20 REC 10J PS IRM movement that exhibits some of Patek’s beautiful finishing beneath its sapphire crystal caseback alongside a tourbillon that is not revealed through the dial like you might expect, this timepiece is the ultimate ‘if you know you know’ piece of horology. Launched in 2003 as one of the Gondolo’s rarest variants, the ref. 5101 speaks to the elaborate designs of the Art Deco period without going overboard and trying too hard, which demonstrates Patek’s ability as a watchmaker and designer to remain faithful to the adage that sometimes less is more. Debuting in 2009 and discontinued in 2013, the ref. 5101R that we have here is a rare variant of an already-rare model, making it all the more special, with around 100 examples estimated to have been produced.

Watch is in overall excellent condition. The rose gold case shows signs of moderate wear on the case, with various surface marks scratches visible. There is a noticeable ding along the top surface of the case edge between the 9 and 10 o'clock. The display case back remains clean, with well-defined hallmarks and stamps on the backs of the lugs. The dial and hands remain near mint. It is fitted with a black Patek alligator strap in very good condition and an excellent deployant clasp.

Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.