Reference Guide
Quattro's original post celebrates the Patek Philippe Caliber 25-21 REC, featured in the Chronometro Gondolo ref. 5098P, through a rare limited-edition lithograph. This piece highlights how Patek Philippe's meticulous movement design extends beyond the watch itself, becoming a standalone work of art for collectors. Quattro shares his personal joy in owning this unique horological artifact, underscoring the deep appreciation within the community for both the watches and their intricate mechanical hearts.
When the Chronometro Gondolo ref. 5098P was launched in 2007, Patek Philippe created a limited-edition lithograph depicting the brand-new hand-wound caliber 25-21 REC ('REC' stands for 'RECtangular') for readers of the Patek Philippe Magazine who would be interested.
This limited-edition lithograph was announced on page 54 of the magazine Volume II, Number 9:
Thanks to the extraordinary kindness and generosity of a fellow collector who will recognize himself and whom I can never thank enough, I am now able to contemplate the marvelous architecture of this caliber as a piece of art and without having to remove my watch or turn it over.
What an immense joy and what a wonderful tribute to the greatness of this watch!
With all my gratitude.
Best, Emmanuel
The Patek Philippe Gondolo Chronometro reference 5098P is a tonneau-shaped wristwatch that draws direct inspiration from the legendary Chronometro Gondolo pocket watches commissioned by the Brazilian retailer Gondolo & Labouriau in the early 20th century. First released in platinum in 2007, followed by a rose gold variant (5098R) in 2009, this model reinterprets the classic form with contemporary craftsmanship while preserving the Art Deco spirit of the original.
The case is crafted from 950 platinum, measuring approximately 32.3 x 42 mm in its distinctive tonneau form. It houses the manual-winding Caliber 25-21 REC, a rectangular form movement specifically designed to mirror the architecture of the case β visible through the sapphire case back. Unlike round calibers fitted with spacers, the 25-21 REC fills its housing with purpose-built elegance, a detail that resonates deeply with movement purists. The guillochΓ© dial with its intricate engine-turned pattern pays homage to the decorative arts tradition of the 1920s originals.
The 5098P occupies a special place among collectors who value Patek Philippe's shaped watches and the historical connection to the Gondolo & Labouriau era. Its limited production run and the deliberate use of a form-fitted movement make it a connoisseur's choice within the Gondolo collection, offering an alternative to the more widely known rectangular references like the 5124.
Congrats, enjoy π
Here are the others that I know exist, but there might be more of course. Best, Emmanuel credit: tourbillon 1974 (1-3), philip-m59 (4) & 33quantum (5)
They are very nice to display within your timepiece room too
Did you keep any photo of the series you had? I've done some research and identified 14 in total...
Nice to see the Purists community come through for each other.
Best, Emmanuel
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