Patek Philippe Gondolo 5124G-011: Big, Blue, Wears Like New

The Patek Philippe Gondolo 5124 battled the turbulent currents of the late 2000s “big watch” craze with the grace and refinement of its Art Deco inspiration. But the tables have turned in 2015, and this latest-edition Gondolo 5124G with blue metallic dial proves that the traditional men’s dress watch has returned to glory.

With the 1993 launch of the “Gondolo” line, Patek Philippe embraced the currents of style that were responsible for the revival of classic non-round watches such as the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso and Rolex Prince. Directly inspired by the “Chronometro Gondolo” series built during the 1930s for upscale Brazilian importer “Gondolo & Labourier.”

The vintage “Gondolo” watches drew their inspiration from the robust rectilinear geometries and bold forms popularized by contemporary Art Deco skyscrapers, automobiles, and ocean liners. Each Patek Philippe Gondolo 5124G revives that distinguished tradition of pioneering avant garde style.

Each edge of the Gondolo 5124G’s rectangular form has been enhanced with a secondary step that eases the transition from the flanks of the case to the gently cambered sapphire. Like the arced silver peaks of the Chrysler Building, the glistening shoulders of this (early) “20th Century Fox” dazzle in direct light.

The dial of the Gondolo 5124G reads as a portal into a bygone era of elegance and innovation. Patek Philippe calls this dial treatment “blue sunburst,” and the color is distinctly different than conventional watchmakers’ “Royal Blue.” Remember the immortal one-year-only Patek Philippe 5070P of 2008? Yeah, we’re talking THAT blue…

This dial also is remarkably smooth and devoid of distracting embellishments. At the periphery, an hour track of stylized white gold dart indices is encircled by a modified metallic “railroad” or sector chapter ring.

Like the 5124G as a whole, the form of the railroad ring has been invigorated with strong linear and perpendicular Art Deco forms; there’s nary a soft curve to be seen.

Inside the handsome vintage-style 18-karat white gold case is a movement with pulchritude to match. Patek Philippe’s in-house caliber 25-21 REC PS. Its classic Patek-designed “Gyromax” free-sprung escapement ensures precision in the face of on-the-wrist shocks, and Patek Philippe Seal standards of finish mean that even screw heads gleam with mirrored polish.

Patek Philippe’s latest “Spiromax” amagnetic silicon hairspring keeps the beat within the Gyromax balance assembly. The 2.57mm thick movement’s clever engineering is major contributor to this ultra-thin Patek Philippe Gondolo’s sub-10mm total thickness.

See this outstanding neoclassical and new-for-2015 Patek Philippe Gondolo 5124G in high-resolution images at The 1916 Company.