Overview
From 1872 to 1927, Patek Philippe worked with Brazilian watch dealer Gondolo & Labouriau to design a number of pocket watches, including the Gondolo Chronometro, which were sold exclusively to members of a collector’s club called “The Gondolo Gang”. To boost sales of these watches, the retailer developed the Plano do Club Patek Philippe System, which allowed customers to pay in weekly installments and included a weekly lottery drawing where the winner was rewarded with their pocket watch at no further cost. Gondolo & Labouriau’s efforts resulted in over 22,000 Pateks being sold — nearly a third of the entire production of Patek Philippe watches during this time.
In the early 1990s, the brand paid homage to their successful relationship with Gondolo & Labouriau by launching the Gondolo collection, a line of dressier watches marked by precious metals in various forms including cushion, tonneau, and rectangular shaped cases. Among the early references was the 3842, a tonneau shaped watch made in either platinum, yellow gold, or rose gold that featured Breguet numerals and was powered by the ultra-thin and Geneva sealed caliber 177. Produced in limited quantities, the 3842 perfectly exemplifies the simplicity and timelessness of Art Deco style, and does so in a form that’s refreshingly distinctive compared to the round Calatravas of the same era.
Specifications
Brand:
Patek Philippe
Model:
Gondolo
Reference:
3842R
Year:
1990s
Case Number:
2969040
Case Material:
Rose gold
Diameter:
28.7 mm
Lug Width:
18 mm
Thickness:
4.7 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
37.2 mm
Dial:
Cream
Lume:
None
Crystal:
Sapphire
Movement:
Hand-wound
Caliber:
Patek Philippe 177
Bracelet/Strap:
Patek Philippe black alligator strap with tang buckle
Max Wrist Size:
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
Condition
Case: The rose gold case shows normal signs wear in the form of faint hairlines and tiny scuffs throughout, but the overall appearance remains clean. The lugs are thick and free of any major imperfections. The caseback retains its brushed finishing with some light scuffs and hairlines at the edges. The gold hallmarks remain crisp and visible. The backs of the lugs show signs of prior strap removal.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The cream dial is in pristine condition and the polished Breguet hands are in excellent condition with a couple micro imperfections visible only upon close inspection. The sapphire crystal is squeaky clean and scratch-free.
Bracelet/Strap: The Patek Philippe black alligator strap shows very little wear and remains in fantastic condition. The condition of the Patek-signed buckle is consistent with the rest of the case.
Performance
Functions: All functions including the crown winding and time setting are working as expected.
Service History: Unknown.
