The Ultimate Green Clock – Very Rare Patek Philippe Timepiece Tops Bonhams Clock Sale

A very rare 20th century clock made by Patek Philippe and powered by a solar panel was the top lot at Bonhams 112-lot Fine Clocks sale in London (15 December). Estimated at £3,000-5,000, the clock sold for £50,250. The sale made a total of £747,758 with 74% sold by lot and 82% sold by value.

The enamel-decorated solar powered rhodium plated mantel timepiece was made by Patek Phillippe in 1973 and came with its with original paperwork. The clock is powered by a 1.5 volts battery which in turn is powered by a solar panel incorporated into the design.

Bonhams Head of Fine Clocks, James Stratton, said: "This fantastic clock is the last word in green horological technology and is very rare indeed. We had a great deal of interest in it before the sale which resulted in fierce competition during the auction itself and the impressively high price"

Other highlights included:

• A very fine and rare 17th century longcase clock movement with verge escapement, now contained in a bespoke architectural ebony case. The movement was made by Edward East in London sometime between 1665-70 and the case may have been made by Percy Dawson during the 1920s. Sold for £50,250. Estimate: £20,000-30,000.

• A good late 17th/early 18th century silver-mounted turtleshell-veneered table clock with pull quarter repeat by George Etherington, London. Etherington was a freeman of the Clockmakers Company in 1684 and Master in 1709. Sold for £47,750. Estimate: £12,000-18,000.

• An historically important early 19th century floor-standing mahogany regulator made by William Hardy. The clock represented a significant improvement in precision, being accurate to within a second per day. It so impressed the Astronomer Royal Nevil Maskelyne, that he agreed to test it at the Greenwich Observatory. It sold for £22,250. Estimate: £20,000-30,000.

17 December 2021