Patek Philippe An attractive and unusual gilt brass solar powered perpetual calendar presentation table clock with “straight line” display, retailed by Tiffany & Co.
200 x 140 x 90mm
Patek Philippe’s reference 503 is a lovely example of 1960s innovation and style. The large rectangular case has a solid architectural feel with square pilasters at the corners, and the state of the market solar panel caliber 17” 250 EQ was at the time a marvel of modern technology. The large solar panel on the top of the case allowed for the transformation of luminous energy in to electrical energy. A micro-accumulator stored the electrical energy, allowing for the clock to run even in the dark, and when fully charged the accumulator carried enough energy to power the clock for one year. It took Patek Philippe seven years to fully realize this extraordinary technology, and they were one of the first firms to fully make use of light energy.
The present clock is a presentation piece to Austin Stanley Moscowitz, dedicated on January 30, 1969, and accompanied by a Tiffany & Co. letter dated July 21, 1972, offering a lifetime guarantee on the clock. In excellent overall condition, the clock has been well maintained over its fifty-year history, and remarkably accompanied by the original Patek Philippe pamphlet and instruction card issued with the clock. This lovely original condition makes it a rare opportunity for a collector to own such an innovative timepiece.