Patek Philippe Pendulette Dôme 'Cygnes et Mouettes', Ref. 1437

Technical characteristics

Type

Table clock

Maker

Patek Philippe

Model

Pendulette Dôme 'Cygnes et Mouettes'

Reference

1437

Dimensions

22 x 12.5 cm

Enamel Artist

A. M. Secretan

Movement Type

Solar-powered electro-mechanical

Serial Number

1804704

Place recorded

Switzerland

Date of Manufacture

late 1990s

Maker / attribution

Patek Philippe

Design

Visible features

• Cylindrical brass case with three ribbed feet • Solar cell array integrated into the top of the enamel dome • Applied brushed gilt chapter ring with radial Roman numerals and Calatrava cross indexes • Enamel spandrels on the dial feature water plants and seagulls

Provenance and Documentation

Sold on April 30th, 2008, this clock is noted as a 'Pièce Unique'. It is accompanied by an extensive set of documentation, including the Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin and a fitted presentation box. Additional items include a framed copy of the original design for the cloisonné enamels produced by A. M. Secretan, which is dated August 1996. The lot is further documented by a Patek Philippe service invoice issued in 2011. The presence of the design documentation provides historical context for the creation of the enamels used in the assembly of the clock.

Movement and Solar Power System

The movement is designated as calibre 17???, an electro-mechanical system engineered for solar operation. Energy is harvested via a photoelectric cell integrated into the upper dome of the clock. This system powers a remontoire train, which in turn winds a barrel spring to regulate the timekeeping function. A lithium battery is included within the system to provide necessary backup power for the movement. Technical components within the movement include 29 jewels and a straight-line lever escapement. The balance system is of the Gyromax type, paired with a self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Fine adjustments are managed through a 'swanneck' micrometer regulator. The movement is signed to verify its origin and configuration within the Patek Philippe manufacture.

Enamel Decoration and Case Construction

The clock is housed in a cylindrical brass body supported by three ribbed feet, creating a base for its thematic cloisonné enamel panels. These panels feature a detailed scene of swans on a lake, integrated with aquatic vegetation such as bullrushes. The domed top of the clock, which also functions as the mount for the solar cells, is decorated with a multitude of seagulls circling in a blue sky. M. Secretan, indicated by the signature AMSB on the lower right-hand panel. The dial continues this design scheme, utilizing applied enameled spandrels that echo the motifs of seagulls and water plants found on the exterior. This integration of enamel across the dome, panels, and dial spandrels creates a cohesive visual representation of the 'Cygnes et Mouettes' theme.

Identification

Reference

1437

Serial number

1804704

Source note

Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.

Catalogue references

No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.