WHY WE LOVE IT Though the famous Calatrava is — for good reason — perhaps the best known of Patek Philippe’s incredible dress watches, there are myriad others that deserve recognition. From the rectangular Gondolo to the curvaceous Golden Ellipse, these timepieces, though simple in design, beg a closer look for their classic proportions and strict attention to detail. Patek has been producing such wristwatches for roughly a century of its 180-plus years, and shows no signs of slowing down. The particular dress, a Modèle 10, is a time capsule of sorts: Manufactured in 1927 and retailed in 1929, it’s a stunning testament to the staying power and intrinsic value of a Patek Philippe wristwatch. Housed in a 24mm 18K yellow gold rectangular case with a glass crystal, an unsigned onion crown, and a polished bezel, it features a silvered radium dial from Stern Frères — the company that would go on to purchase and operate Patek — with painted, luminescent Arabic numerals, a blued steel service spade handset, sub-seconds at 6 o’clock, and an outer ‘railroad’ minute track. Powered by a hand-wound Patek Philippe 9” lever escape movement and paired to a signed, black alligator strap with a signed, 18K gold pin buckle, this Modèle 10 representsone of the first wristwatch models ever produced by the maison, in production from 1917 through 1932. Though the lume the dial markers has been restored — as is often necessary on watches of this age — it remains a gorgeous example of an important reference. As such, an extract from the Patek Philippe archives is included. This watch is simply the stuff of dreams. Have a look for yourself! OVERALL CONDITION The case is in very good condition overall showing normal signs of wear from age and use. Silvered dial with Radium 'Arabic' indices is in very good condition showing deep patination throughout with re-lumed 'spade' handset. Unsigned stylized crown.