Patek Philippe

circular gilt lever movement (cal.17 250), 29 jewels, gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, the mechanical movement powered by a battery recharged by the solar panel, silvered dial, gilt chapter ring, engraved baton numerals, the cylindrical case with decorative engraving, solar panel to the domed revolving top, the whole on three ribbed feet, dial and movement signed, with Certificate of Origin and red Patek Philippe presentation case, accompanied by an Extract from the Archives 

The accompanying Extract from the Patek Philippe Archives confirms that this time-piece was manufactured in 1971 and sold on June 22nd the same year.

Each of the solar powered dome time-pieces produced by Patek Philippe is unique and play an intriguing part in the history of modern horology. The first dome clocks appear to have been manufactured around 1958 and, soon after, vast resources were being poured into the development of electronic timekeepers. The movements of these time-pieces exploited rather than fully relied on the new technology available. Using a traditional high quality pocket watch calibre movement, the timepiece is ultimately regulated by traditional mechanics whilst simultaneously being powered by a battery recharged through the solar panel in the clock's dome.

The decorative engraving of the present example is named on the Certificate of Origin as "Arabesque". Arabesque decoration is finely repeated geometric motifs that often imitate the forms of plants or animals. It is especially unusual to find examples of these timepieces retaining their Certificate of Origin. Interestingly the Certificate of Origin's format is that of a folder rather than a single sheet.