Patek Philippe Gondolo

Not every timepiece from the world’s greatest watchmaker fits neatly into the mold of an overarching theme or collection. While we love a simple Calatrava, a sporty Aquanaut, or a complicated perpetual calendar as much as the next guy, the oddball, more overlooked and usually limited-production shaped watches made by the maison in second half of the 20th century are often some of the most innovative and charming in the brand’s oeuvre. The Gondolo collection in particular has an interesting history rooted, not in Geneva, but Rio de Janeiro. Patek enjoyed a fruitful partnership with the Brazilian retailer, Gondolo & Labouriau, for almost 60 years — from that, the Gondolo collection was born. Veering away from the traditional aesthetics of round-cased watches, the Gondolo contains a wide variety of complications in tonneau-shaped cases that explore a more adventurous side of Patek Phillipe’s watchmaking. Take this ladies’ Gondolo ref. 4866/120G-001, for example. Housed in a 25mm squar