WISHLIST – On The Clock
A unique desk clock from Patek looks set to pique collectors’ interest.
Looking for a statement piece for your desk? Patek Philippe created a one-off piece, the Ref.27001M-001 desk clock with perpetual calendar, 31-day power reserve and new patented mechanism for the Only Watch auction last November.
The manufacture took inspiration from a desk clock with a perpetual calendar and a power reserve of eight days originally created in the early 1920s for engineer and a car manufacturer James Ward, who ranked among its most loyal customers. The engineers were tasked with creating a new manually wound movement with a 31-day power reserve and a rate accuracy of ±1 second per day, and the result is the 86-135 PEND IRM Q SE.
In terms of functionality, the manufacture added two innovations: a jumping second in the style of antique regulator clocks and a weekly calendar display of the week number. The clock retains the display of hours and minutes on an off-centre subdial at 12 o’clock, the moon-phase display at 6 o’clock, and the day/month indications in apertures at 9 and 3 o’clock.
In terms of looks, the case in 925 silver carries veneers of American walnut and is decorated with screen-printed gold fillets. There are silver-gilt appliques in the style of the decorative elements on the 1923 desk clock: three rosettes in the bottom corners and at 12 o’clock, acanthus scrollwork that frames the Calatrava cross, and four case feet depicting griffon vultures. A plaque on the narrow front side bears the inscription “The Only One” to emphasise its one-off nature. patek.com
