Ladies First: Patek Philippe Launches the Gondolo 7043



Exquisitely designed and comfortable to wear.

Patek Philippe has introduced a new ladies' watch collection, launching the Gondolo Ladies First Ref. 7043 in white gold and rose gold, with options for standard diamond settings or more elaborate diamond embellishments. The watch features the signature Gondolo case, ergonomic hinged lugs, and a movement that is both simple and refined. Patek Philippe positions this—its first quartz "Ladies First" model—as an easy-to-wear timepiece with strong design appeal, crafted specifically for discerning (and affluent) women.

The launch of the Gondolo Ladies First coincides with a new marketing campaign led by the London-based agency Leagas Delaney—the same firm behind the famous "Generations" campaign and the iconic slogan: "You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation."

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Previously, the "Ladies First" designation was typically reserved for watches with complications—such as the exceptional manual-winding chronograph movement introduced by Patek Philippe in 2009, as well as perpetual calendars and minute repeaters. Against this backdrop, the arrival of a two-hand quartz model marks a significant new direction.

The design of this debut collection arguably possesses more character than the quartz Twenty-4 line, enriching Patek Philippe’s product offerings in a high-end segment the brand had long overlooked. Whether in the standard or high-jewelry versions, the hour markers on the dial deserve special mention; in my view, the choice of trapezoid-cut gems over the more common baguette-cut stones is the make-or-break element of the design—and Patek Philippe undoubtedly made the right call.

However, true to the brand's typical approach, the value proposition may be a sticking point—particularly for the high-jewelry models—though fortunately, the standard versions in the collection are equally compelling. Dozens of Diamonds
The design of this watch draws inspiration from the early era of watchmaking—coinciding with the height of the Art Deco period—and is named after a prominent (though now-defunct) Brazilian retailer. It features a cushion-shaped case with movable lugs and is water-resistant to 30 meters. Patek Philippe states that this means it can be worn while swimming; while the strap might not be suitable for the water, the security of the case offers peace of mind.

The debut "Ladies First" models are available in two configurations: a rose gold case paired with a silver or chestnut opaline dial, and a white gold case paired with a blue-gray dial. Regardless of the dial color, all three versions feature 108 small diamonds set into the dial, with a total weight of 0.41 carats.

Both gold versions are also available as high-jewelry models, set with numerous diamonds and featuring 12 baguette-cut hour markers—tsavorites (0.22 ct) and amethysts (0.17 ct) for the rose gold model, and topazes (0.20 ct) for the white gold model. While the gemstone dimensions are identical across the three models, their weights vary due to differences in gemstone density.

The dial base is crafted from 18k gold and set with 303 small white diamonds, with an additional 108 diamonds on the case; these average approximately 0.003 carats each. Such tiny stones cost only a few francs apiece, whereas the stones on the case and clasp are twice as heavy on average—276 stones totaling 1.74 carats.

Patek Philippe’s diamonds are internally flawless and graded G to F in color, meaning their average hue is slightly warmer than that of Rolex diamonds (graded G to D, with D being the whitest grade).

A Heart of Crystal
While the diamond setting on the dial may be the most eye-catching feature, the "Ladies First" collection demonstrates an equal commitment to excellence regarding its quartz movement. Patek Philippe maintains that the finishing standards for its quartz movements match those of its mechanical movements, even though they do not bear the Patek Philippe Seal. However, while the E15 movement inside this watch features six jewels and neat Geneva stripes, its small size means it is not particularly visually striking.

Unfortunately, the E15 movement offers few highlights beyond its fine decoration. Powered by a standard battery, it provides a three-year power reserve—a rather average performance—and lacks the end-of-life indicator found on the larger E23-250 movement. Nevertheless, the quartz movement offers high precision; once set, it requires no further attention, and with a factory-rated annual accuracy range of +127 to -18 seconds, any deviation is virtually imperceptible.



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Patek Philippe Gondolo Ladies' Watches
References: 7043G-001 (white gold case, blue-gray dial)
, 7043R-001 (rose gold case, chestnut dial), 7043GR-001 (white and rose gold case, silver dial)
, 7043/250G-001 (white gold case, diamond-set dial, blue topaz hour markers)
, 7043/250R-001 (rose gold case, diamond-set dial, green tsavorite hour markers)
, 7043/250GR-001 (white and rose gold case, diamond-set dial, purple amethyst hour markers). Dimensions: 31 × 34.8 mm;
Thickness: 8.03 mm;
Material: 18K white gold or rose gold, or two-tone white gold and rose gold;
Crystal: Sapphire;
Water resistance: 30 meters

Movement: Cal. E15
Functions: Hours, minutes
Frequency: 32,768 Hz
Power reserve: Battery life of approximately 3 years



Strap: Calfskin strap with matching gold pin buckle; jewelry version features an alligator strap with a matching diamond-set gold pin buckle.