Patek Philippe Light-Wound Clocks: 5 Fascinating References | Patek Philippe

Wound by Light

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

Advertisement for Tiffany & Co.

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