Introduction
Introduced in 1969, the Patek Philippe Naviquartz was conceived as a highly accurate electronic timekeeper for use aboard ships and yachts, bringing the manufacture's approach to precision timekeeping into the emerging quartz era. References 1201 and 1202 remained in production into the early 1980s, and while their nautical origins gave the Naviquartz its name and purpose, these substantial clocks soon found another natural home: the executive desk, where their distinctive design and prominent Patek Philippe signature made them desirable objects in their own right.
The present ref. 1202 was manufactured in the early 1980s. Its black dial and bold Arabic numerals give it a distinctly functional, instrument-like appearance, while the substantial housing reflects its original maritime purpose. Powered by Patek Philippe's calibre 33 quartz movement, this example is particularly appealing for the survival of its original accessories, including its case key, instructions and mahogany wooden box.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Instruction leaflet and wood box
Est. value range
$4,000 – $6,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
19.6cm x 13.36cm
Model
Naviquartz Desk Clock
Movement
Quartz calibre 33
Reference
1202
Bracelet
N/A
Year
Early 1980s
Condition
Excellent
Material
Aluminum with mahogany wooden case
Included
Instruction leaflet
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
The black dial gives this ref. 1202 a particularly purposeful appearance, with large contrasting Arabic numerals and clear minute markings prioritising immediate legibility. It is an aesthetic that makes considerably more sense when viewed in the context of the Naviquartz's original role as a precision nautical instrument rather than simply as a decorative desk clock.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The substantial rectangular housing was designed to give the Naviquartz the presence and practicality of a genuine marine instrument, while allowing it to transition naturally into use as a desk clock. This example retains its original key, an important component allowing access to the clock's housing, together with its mahogany wooden box.
THE MOVEMENT
The Naviquartz was created at a time when electronic timekeeping represented the cutting edge of precision, and this example is powered by Patek Philippe's calibre 33 quartz movement. Its adoption of quartz technology was entirely appropriate for an instrument intended for maritime use, where dependable and highly accurate timekeeping took precedence over traditional mechanical construction.
Condition
Clock is in overall excellent condition. The aluminium bezel is in excellent condition, with some light surface marks. The painted metal case shows some areas of paint loss along the edges. The dial is in near-mint condition, and the hands remain very clean. Comes with a wood display box and instruction leaflet.
Our Perspective
The Naviquartz occupies an unusual place in Patek Philippe history, sitting at the intersection of traditional marine chronometry, the quartz revolution and the manufacture's celebrated decorative objects. This ref. 1202 is especially attractive for its black instrument-style dial and unusually comprehensive group of original accessories. With production confirmed to 1983 and its original sale recorded in 1984, it is also a notably late example of the Naviquartz story.
John Reardon
Collectability.com
