Patek Philippe Solar Desk Clock for Holscher

This refined circa 1965 solar desk clock by Patek Philippe exudes timeless elegance. Featuring clean lines and a simple yet dignified face emblazoned with the maker's name and that of the retailer, Holscher, this 5 1/2-inch wide square desk clock is flanked by tasteful fluted columns and topped with understated solar panels.

The name of legendary Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe is synonymous with technical excellence, exclusive luxury and polished refinement. While the prestigious firm has been creating incomparable timepieces since its inception in 1839, the 1950s and 60s saw an exciting turn toward more creative designs and technological advancements. The firm developed an Electronics Division that focused on the advancement of nuclear, electronic and photoelectric timekeeping. They soon developed state-of-the-art solar timepieces that retained the timeless aesthetics for which the brand was celebrated. The manufacturer’s cognition to not only maintain a sense of tradition, but also experiment within areas that had not been explored, was unprecedented for the time.

In the 1960s these solar panel clocks were marketed as the most “luxurious items imaginable,” according to the brochure of the era. While the movement of these clocks is powered by the energy harnessed in their solar panels, all of the Patek Philippe solar desk time pieces from this era actually use a pocket watch mechanism for movement. Thus, these handsome timepieces each marry cutting edge 1960s technology with time honored 19th-century pocket watch techniques.

This desk clock comes with its original box, which mirrors the butterfly box used for Patek Philippe wristwatches of the 1930s – 1960s.

Dial marked "Patek Philippe / Geneve" and "Holscher"

Clock: 5 5/8" high x 5 1/2" wide x 3 1/2" deep
Box: 6 3/4" high x 6 5/8" wide x 3 1/2" deep