In pristine condition and of large-size, this superb example of Patek Philippe’s famous ‘Chronometro Gondolo’ is accompanied by the original certificate. It is also an important piece of Formula 1 memorabilia having been presented to Mr. Todt in celebration of Ferrari’s 2000 Formula 1 World Championship win, the first for Ferrari in 21 years.

The 2000 Formula 1 season saw Michael Schumacher win his third title, and his first for Ferrari. This title started the winning streak of five championships in a row for Ferrari. The 2000 FIA Formula One World Championship was the 54th season of FIA Formula One motor racing. Michael Schumacher became Ferrari's first World Drivers' Champion in 21 years, having clinched the Drivers' title at the penultimate race of the season. Ferrari successfully defended its Constructors' title.

Chronometro Gondolo
On 12 November 1872, Patek Philippe supplied its first watch to the Rio de Janeiro based retailer Gondolo & Labouriau. Until 1927, when the relationship ended, approximately one third of Patek Philippe’s entire production was sold through this Brazilian retailer. Many watches were made that are now known as Gondolo watches and wristwatches and they represent some of the most coveted Patek Philippe watches ever produced. The reasons are simple: the quality of these timepieces is impressive in their unique technical requirements which is how they were originally sold to exclusive members of the ultimate watch collecting club, the Gondolo Gang.

Five basic requirements were requested by Gondolo & Labouriau to distinguish the watches made for them from the watches made for Patek Philippe’s regular production. First, that the ébauche be based on Adrien Philippe's patented design US patent o. 20483 of 13 January 1891, the S-shaped minute train bridge now considered one of the company’s hallmark designs, secondly, a 9K gold train, thirdly, a straight line "moustache" lever escapement with cut bimetallic compensation balance and Breguet balance spring, fourthly, a minimum of 18 jewels, fifth, François Wilmot's patented micrometric cam regulator US patent 129197 registered on 16 July 1872.