Vintage
Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, shares a captivating exploration of a 17th-century English pocket watch from the Patek Philippe Museum. His post delves into the unique aesthetic and horological charm of 'L'heure ovale,' a piece that has profoundly 'bewitched' him. This article highlights Emmanuel's personal connection to the watch's distinctive design, particularly its oval time-telling display and the interplay of its hands.
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 — 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 guilloché 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.
casted a horological SPELL on our Emmanuel !🤣 Now all he likes is shaped Patek watches !😉
naaaaaaa, i dont think so
I would say you are most certainly bewitched with this watch but then it is not hard to understand why. Marc
When I see the word bewitched I immediately think of Rodgers and Hart's Bewitched Bothered and Bewildered. There's a great movie with Ethan Hawke playing Lorenz Hart. It's called Blue Moon. Free on Netflix I believe. Worth the watch if you like the Great American Songbook. Still on the hunt for a 5098. A friend showed me one and when I took it off my wrist one of the screws on the back fell out and we couldn't find it. Gives meaning to God only knows where it is. I'm as bewitched as you!
With that purple sweater!
I’m glad you understand how I feel. Best, Emmanuel
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