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Patek Philippe’s Gondolo Serata Zebra Debuts New Dial Technique

A decorated sapphire crystal dial.

Patek Philippe surprises with an off-season launch, the Gondolo Serata Zebra Ref. 4962/200R-010. Based on the curvaceous model launched in 2006, the Zebra features a sapphire crystal dial framed by garnets on the bezel and lugs.

The dial motif replicates the cloisonné enamel dial of the Golden Ellipse ref. 5738/50G-023 from the Rare Handcrafts collection of 2022, but here the technique and material are decidedly modern. Despite the radically different look, this is an evolution of the Retrograde Perpetual Calendar ref. 6159G that has a smoked sapphire dial. Here the dial is also clear sapphire, but engraved, varnished, and then metallised to create the striking zebra motif.

Initial thoughts

The Gondolo Serata has been in Patek Philippe’s catalogue for almost 20 years but it never really gained prominence. Though the case shape is elegant, the dials on the earlier versions were quite plain. The Zebra is the opposite – vivid and striking – and it instantly stands out amongst Patek Philippe’s ladies offerings.

The fact that the dial motif is based on the Rare Handcrafts Ellipse is a nice touch, though watch enthusiasts may be disappointed the movement is quartz. Patek Philippe presumably understands its clients and those clients probably want the convenience of a quartz movement.

The sapphire dial technique, however, is interesting enough that it is likely to make its way into other models, which will be a good thing.

Savannah sapphire

The Gondolo Serata is a longstanding model in the Patek Philippe catalogue, having debuted in 2006 as the refs. 4972G-001 and 4972/1G-001. They were discontinued in 2021, and then two years later, replaced by an enlarged version, the ref. 4962/200R-001. It is this larger model that forms the base of the Zebra.

Made of clear sapphire crystal, the dial has a subtle three-dimensional aspect due to its double-sided finish. The dial is engraved and lacquered in black and white on both sides, while the zebra in the foreground is completed with metal deposition for a glossy finish.

Because the sapphire dial is clear, the Patek Philippe emblem under 12 o’clock appears to float above the zebra stripes. And like all other Patek Philippe watches, the applied Breguet numerals and hands are solid rose gold.

The case is identical to that of the standard Gondolo Serata that was launched in 2023. It’s 18k rose gold and measures 28.6 mm by 40.85 mm, while being 7.36 mm high. The case is actually asymmetrical, with the lower lugs flaring outwards, giving the watch an elegant outline reminiscent of 20th century form watches.

Like the standard model, this is set with 94 brilliant-cut spessartite gemstones, otherwise known as garnet, that are arranged in a colour gradient going from dark red to orange.

The Zebra is powered by the E15, a small quartz movement widely used in Patek Philippe’s ladies watches, including the Twenty-4. In terms of tech the E15 is basic with a three-year battery life.

However, the movement has been dressed up significantly for a simple quartz calibre, as it should be given the price. It’s decorated similarly to the brand’s mechanical movements – with the same techniques according to Patek Philippe – so the bridges are finished with Cotes de Geneve while the base plate has perlage.