Patek Philippe Pendulette Caliber 17-250 E Guide
Complications

Patek Philippe Pendulette Caliber 17-250 E Guide

By quattro · Jun 13, 2026 · 4 replies
quattro
WPS member · Patek Philippe forum
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quattro's exploration of Patek Philippe's 'light-wound' clocks, or 'Pendulettes à remontage automatique par la lumière,' unveils a fascinating chapter in horological innovation. This article highlights how Patek Philippe seamlessly integrated traditional mechanical movements with early photoelectric technology, creating self-winding desk clocks that captivated collectors in the mid-20th century. quattro meticulously details the technical ingenuity and presents several rare references, offering a unique look into these often-overlooked masterpieces.

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The Patek Philippe light-wound clocks–Pendulettes à remontage automatique par la lumière’ in French–are fascinating.

They use a 17 lines (=38.35 mm) pocket watch mechanical movement (based on a ‘Gondolo’ ébauche), whose mainspring is wound by a micromotor powered by a spark of electric current generated by light captured by sensitive photoelectric cells.

Power reserve is stored in a micro-accumulator with an automatic cut-off device which eliminates the possibility of over-winding.

In other words, with calibre 17-250 E traditional watchmaking meets modern technology.

Here are five references I have selected, with photos showing the “engine room”.


A/ REF. 601

Rhodium-Plated Silver - Manufactured in the 1950s







The blue and white circular battery is the accumulator, which acts as a redundancy system for powering the motor which winds the pocket watch movement.





The time-setting "crown" is located below the clock.





Henri Stern Agency Newsletter, 1956










credit: Christie’s (1) & Ben Wright Vintage Watches


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Original instruction manual for a Patek Philippe Dome Clock circa 1950s


credit: ClockDoc & Collectability


B/ REF. 1000

Gilded brass - Circa 1960











Press announcement - February 16th, 1953


credit: ClockDoc


C/ REF. 902

Gilded brass - Manufactured in 1962












credit: @watch_jewelry_passion


D/ REF. 811

Gilded brass - 1960s









Second example from 1969 with enamel dial and “Horses” ornaments










credit: Christie’s


E/ REF. 801

Gilded brass with grenat lacquer (“grenat” means dark red or garnet) - Half-moon case - Gilt decorated dial with hand-engraved and painted roman numerals - Gilded brass ‘Louis XV’ hands





Hand-made and engraved sun motif surrounding the solar panel










credit: FutureGrail Official


I love these clocks both technically and aesthetically.

What about you?

Best, Emmanuel

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
EN
enjoythemusic
Jun 13, 2026
Love these, and the last one ... someone put in a lot of time on that. A clock with character combined with a glorious movement. Swan neck, spokes on wheels have anglage...

QU
quattro
Jun 13, 2026
Yes, the last one is particularly attractive.

And, like you, I love the movement. Best, Emmanuel

AU
AuHavrePro
Jun 13, 2026
I totally love these as well....

Perhaps not as much as the ATMOS line, but still a great deal 😍👌

QU
quattro
Jun 13, 2026
ATMOS clocks are definitely special and top of the line.

Here the charm is more 70s and 80s oriented, which I like. Maybe someday… Best, Emmanuel

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