A New Chapter: Patek Philippe Introduces the Gondolo Ladies First 

At the Watch Art Grand Exhibition Milano, Patek Philippe introduced six new Gondolo Ladies First watches that revisit an important chapter in the brand’s history of women’s watches. The new Ref. 7043 collection takes inspiration from the Ladies First Chronograph Ref. 7071 launched in 2009, but translates its design language into a distinctly jewelry-focused collection with a striking palette of colors, materials, and gemstones.

All six models share a softly rounded, cushion-shaped case measuring 31 x 34.8mm and a svelte 8.03mm thick. The cases are available in rose gold, white gold, or a combination of both metals. While three versions feature diamond-set dials, the three Gondolo Ladies First Joaillerie models extend the gem setting across the dial, case, and lugs.

Inspired by the Ladies First Chronograph

The connection to the Ladies First Chronograph ref. 7071 from 2009 is more than a name. That watch represented a significant moment for Patek Philippe, bringing the manufacture’s newly developed hand-wound chronograph movement to a watch designed specifically for women. As such, the Ladies First Chronograph stood out for placing serious mechanical watchmaking at the center of a purpose-designed women’s watch rather than adapting an existing men’s model — a move that sent a clear signal to the industry that women’s watches could be far more than scaled-down versions of men’s timepieces. 

The new Gondolo Ladies First takes a different technical route. Instead of a mechanical movement, all six references are powered by Patek Philippe’s quartz Caliber E15. The choice allows the watches to remain particularly slim and easy to wear while putting greater emphasis on their design and jewelry elements.

Art Deco Shapes with a Colorful Twist

The Gondolo collection draws heavily on the geometric language of the Art Deco era, combining clean lines, balanced proportions, and distinctive forms. The first three new references combine the polished gold case with an opaline dial featuring an embossed concentric wave pattern. A slightly recessed flange is set with 108 diamonds, while faceted, trapezoidal gold hour markers contrast with small gold cabochons serving as minute markers and leaf-shaped hands. The color combinations give each version its own character. The white-gold ref. 7043G features a blue-gray opaline dial and matching denim-textured calfskin strap. The rose-gold ref. 7043R combines a chestnut-brown opaline dial with a matching calfskin strap. The two-tone Ref. 7043GR pairs a white-gold case with rose-gold details, a silvery opaline dial, and a beige textured calfskin strap.

A Plethora of Diamonds and Colored Gemstones

The three Gondolo Ladies First Joaillerie references take the jewelry aspect considerably further. Each is set with a total of 687 brilliant-cut diamonds. Of these, 253 diamonds decorate the case, while another 411 stones cover the dial and its diamond-set flange. A further 23 diamonds are set into the buckle. At the center of each dial, 303 diamonds are arranged in seven concentric rows. The stones are carefully graduated in size to follow the circular pattern across the gold dial.

The twelve trapeze-cut hour markers introduce the color. The white-gold ref. 7043/250G-001 uses blue topaz, paired with a peacock-blue alligator strap. The rose-gold ref. 7043/250R-001 features green tsavorites and a matching green strap, while the two-tone ref. 7043/250GR-001 combines purple amethysts with a purple alligator strap. The colored hour markers are held in gold settings designed to allow light to enter the gemstones. Matching colored treatments are applied to the leaf-shaped white-gold hands.

Patek Philippe Caliber E15

Inside all six models is Patek Philippe’s Caliber E15, a quartz movement measuring just 15 x 13mm and 1.8mm thick. It consists of 57 components, including six jewels, and operates at a quartz frequency of 32,768 Hz. The time-honored luxury watch brand says the E15 is manufactured to the same high standards as its mechanical movements. According to Patek Philippe, 80 percent of its components are produced in the same manner as components for its mechanical hand-wound and automatic calibers, with electronic components accounting for the remaining 20 percent. The watches are water-resistant to 30 meters and feature solid case backs. 

Prices start at $37,510 for the diamond-set dial models and rise to $68,768 for the Gondolo Ladies First Joaillerie iterations. The new references join two Haute Joaillerie Gondolo models introduced in 2016. Those versions combine 552 brilliant- and baguette-cut diamonds with bracelets incorporating Akoya pearls and additional diamonds.