Lot 97: Deciphering the Caseback Inscription - A Patek Philippe's Silent Witness to Philippine Political Shifts

The Patek Philippe Ref. 3671/1 Gondolo is more than a luxury watch; the specific example given to the late Senate President Gil J. Puyat in 1967 and Lot 97 in the upcoming The Kingly Treasures Auction 2025 by Leon Gallery is an actual piece of Philippine political history. This isn't just any Swiss watch; it's like a secret message sent between two key political figures just before everything unraveled. It has style, impressive specifications, and carries more political baggage than a Manila airport carousel during the holidays. Its strong horological features, combined with its deep and specific provenance, elevate it beyond simple craftsmanship to a silent witness to a crucial, yet mysterious, moment in the country's political story. From its elegantly shaped case to the personalized engraving, the Patek Philippe Ref. 3671/1 Gondolo serves not only as a luxurious timepiece but also as a historical artifact linked to the shifting tides of Philippine politics. Its journey from the hands of the country's most prominent leaders to today offers a glimpse into the intersection of personal relationships, national ambitions, and the enduring legacy of iconic craftsmanship.

As a Patek Philippe, the Ref. 3671/1 Gondolo exemplifies Swiss haute horlogerie, showcasing a lasting commitment to craftsmanship and style. The Gondolo line’s timeless design draws inspiration from Patek Philippe’s Art Deco era, characterized by its distinct, non-circular case shapes. This aesthetic choice ensures the watch remains visually distinctive and immune to fleeting trends, cementing its status as a timeless piece. While the white gold case material is common for the era’s luxury pieces, it undoubtedly adds to its intrinsic value amid rising gold prices; however, the quality of its construction is paramount. The watch is a testament to Patek Philippe’s dedication to meticulous finishing and durability. The mechanical excellence of the Caliber 177 manual-winding movement exemplifies its technical mastery, precision, and hand-finishing, ensuring reliability and long-term serviceability. 

In the world of collectible timepieces, provenance—the history of ownership—is often more important in determining value than the watch’s materials. This particular watch is greatly

enhanced by its association with two of the most influential political families in the Philippines. Its most noticeable feature is the hand-engraved inscription on the caseback: “To Gil, with our esteem, Ferdinand and Imelda 9-1-67,” which marks its presentation by President Ferdinand Marcos and First Lady Imelda Marcos to then-Senate President Gil J. Puyat on his birthday, seven months after he became Senate President. This wasn't just a gift; it was a Power Move wrapped in white gold and Swiss engineering. Was this just a gesture of friendship? From the moment it was given, the watch became part of the story of power, legacy, and subtle political tactics. It’s not only the craftsmanship that draws attention but also the symbolism of trust, alliance, and maybe caution among top officials. The act of presenting the Gondolo to Puyat during such a key year reveals layers of intention that historians and collectors continue to explore.

A Gift in a Moment of Stability

The year 1967 falls two years into President Marcos’s first term. Ambitious efforts toward national growth, including infrastructure initiatives and economic development, marked this period. The exchange of such an extravagant, highly personal gift between the Executive and

Legislative leaders indicates a high-level political relationship, possibly signaling a crucial

period of cooperation or, more intriguingly, a negotiation of influence between the two branches of government. The true motive behind this lavish gift remains an enduring historical mystery. The relationship between Marcos and Puyat was complex, positioned just before two major political shifts: (1) The 1969 Election Approaches: Puyat was a prominent political figure, potentially a presidential candidate. This watch could have been a subtle, expensive gesture—a way to keep allies close and potential rivals even closer; (2) 1972 Is Coming: Just five years later, the declaration of Martial Law shut down the Senate Puyat presided over. This watch is a tangible reminder of the brief stability before the political landscape turned chaotic. It's the perfect 'before' snapshot. The political climate escalated sharply, culminating in Marcos's election to a second term, the Senate's closure, and Puyat’s departure under extraordinary circumstances.

The Patek Philippe watch, introduced in 1967, not only embodies the elegance and prestige of Swiss watchmaking but also serves as a silent witness to the shifting alliances and strategic moves that defined Philippine politics at the time. The Gondolo’s presence at key moments in history gives it a story far richer than its material composition, turning each scratch and inscription into a clue about the motives and relationships of its notable owners.

It's a striking historical symmetry. The Patek Philippe, designed to be timeless, literally spans two distinct eras of Marcos's power through a single act of political gifting. It’s a luxury item that unintentionally documents the complexities of Filipino political dynasties. This particular Patek Philippe Ref. 3671/1 Gondolo is not just a collector's item; it is a significant historical artifact worn on the wrist. It embodies the peak of watchmaking while simultaneously capturing the complexities, ambitions, and mysteries of a defining moment in modern Philippine history, making it a priceless, timeless gift in every sense of the word.

This Patek Philippe 3671/1 is up for auction as Lot 97 at the upcoming “The Kingly Treasures Auction 2025” at Leon Gallery. The auction will be held on December 6, 2025, at 2pm.