Patek Philippe Ref. 1489 Solar-Powered Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
September 28, 1967
This solar-powered clock, numbered 873990, was produced by Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève and sold on September 28, 1967. The timepiece is a rectangular mantle clock constructed from brushed gilt brass with palisander panels.
It features a unique power system that utilizes solar cells mounted on the top of the case to maintain a lithium battery back-up. This power source drives a remontoir train, which acts in place of a traditional barrel spring to operate the clock's mechanical movement. The time is displayed on a palisander dial adorned with simple bâton indexes and brass hands. Measuring 14 cm in height, 19.8 cm in width, and 9 cm in depth, the object is a specific application of solar technology integrated into a mechanical clock architecture.
The clock is accompanied by its original sale receipt, documenting its provenance to 1967.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Solar-powered mantle clock
- Maker
- Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève
- Reference
- 1489
- Dimensions
- 14 x 19.8 x 9 cm
- Date of Sale
- September 28, 1967
- Movement base
- 17''' Gondolo keyless mechanical movement
- Movement type
- Solar-powered with remontoir train
- Serial Number
- 873990
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement features
- 29 jewels, lever escapement, swan neck regulator
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe & Cie
Design
- Visible features
- • Case features four square vertical columns at the corners • The solar cell array is visibly inset into the top panel • Dial is constructed from palisander wood with applied baton hour markers • Hands are thin baton-style brass components
- Design and Materials
- The clock presents a rectangular form, dominated by its structural gilt brass frame and palisander panels. The design incorporates four square columns at the corners, which provide a vertical emphasis to the 14 cm tall housing. The top surface of the clock is functional, featuring a mounted array of solar cells that serve as the primary source for the power system. The dial continues the material theme, finished in matching palisander. It is sparsely decorated, featuring only applied baton-style indexes and corresponding brass baton hands to indicate the time. The assembly is secured by a hinged back door, allowing access to the interior components.
- Movement and Mechanism
- The timekeeping is powered by a 17-ligne Gondolo-based keyless mechanical movement. The system is notable for its solar energy integration; solar cells mounted on the clock top recharge a lithium battery back-up, which in turn powers the remontoir train. This remontoir replaces the function of a standard barrel spring in the mechanical architecture. The movement is equipped with 29 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a monometallic balance adjusted to heat, cold, and a single position. A swan-neck micrometer regulator is included for fine adjustment. The dial and movement are confirmed as signed by the maker.
- Condition and Documentation
- The auction house provides a general condition report for the object. The case is evaluated as being in good condition on a scale of 3-5, while the dial receives a rating of 2-01, denoting very good status. The movement is rated as 3*, with a recommendation for an overhaul to be performed at the expense of the purchaser. The timepiece is accompanied by its original sale receipt, which aids in establishing the timeline of its original acquisition in 1967. No other specific historical documentation is provided by the source material.
Identification
- Reference
- 1489
- Serial number
- 873990
- 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.
Research required
- Research required: Condition grading suggests an overhaul is recommended for the movement
- Research required: Lithium battery status and long-term functional capacity are not verified