Spotlight On The Patek Philippe Gondolo 5098R

Patek Philippe Gondolo 5098R in Rose Gold

The Gondolo collection is where Patek Philippe houses its “form” watches, which is defined by watches with non-round cases. While the Gondolo collection was officially established in 1993, Patek Philippe’s fascination with shaped watches dates stretches back to well over a century ago. In fact, the name “Gondolo” is taken from “Chronometro Gondolo” watches Patek Philippe once made for Brazilian retailer Gondolo & Labouriau in the early 1900s and the Gondolo Gang of passionate Patek enthusiasts.

Among the different silhouettes found within the Patek Philippe Gondolo collection including cushion-shaped and rectangular, the tonneau-shaped case is a favorite one. Named after the French word for “barrel”, tonneau-shaped watches were all the rage in the 1920s and 1930s–around the time when fashionable men started swapping out their pocket watches for wristwatches.

The modern Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo 5098R draws its design cues directly from a 1925 tonneau Patek Philippe watch. The Patek 5098R features a 32mm x 42mm tonneau-shaped case in rose gold, which measures a slim 9.2mm in height for a comfortable fit. The four decorative lugs that stretch out from the case serve to hold the screws that keep the leather strap in securely attached.

The dial of the Gondolo 5098R is a beautiful example of Art Deco aesthetics complete with a hand-guilloched white gold surface as the background to an oval-shaped rose gold zone punctuated with large brown Dauphine style numerals. A pair of brown oxidized gold pear-shaped hands sweep around the oval detail, stretching to reach the minute track framing the oval subsidiary dial. On top of the case is a cambered scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, matching the arched sapphire crystal caseback.

Through the transparent sapphire caseback, we see a view of the hand-wound Caliber 25-21 REC mecahnical movement. This rectangular movement was specifically built to fit into the Gondolo 5098 and includes a minimum power reserve of 44 hours. In true Patek Philippe fashion, the movement is intricately decorated and finished with the famed “Côte De Genève” stripes and bears the renowned Patek Philippe seal.

A Patek Philippe Dress Watch With a Difference

A modern-day Patek Philippe watch inspired by a vintage piece from the 1920s, the Gondolo 5098R offers the best of both worlds. If you are looking for a dress watch with a difference, then the distinct silhouette of the tonneau-shaped Gondolo is the one to own.