Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN Geneva Saturday, May 12, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1950
    Reference No: 658
    Movement No: 861'185
    Case No: 680'489
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 17'', 41 jewels
    Dimensions: 50mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by original fitted box and Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1950 and its subsequent sale on July 27, 1956.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Heavy and remarkable, reference 658 was at the time of production one of Patek Philippe's most complicated serially produced openface pocketwatches. The model is extremely rare. To date, no more than a handful of examples have appeared on the auction market. Chiming with great tone clarity, this minute repeating perpetual calendar timepiece is also fitted with a split seconds mechanism, considered to be one of the most complex complications to master.

    The incorporation of these three complications reflects Patek Philippe's mastery and horological know-how.

    Launched in 1937, reference 658 features a large stepped case, which was incredibly modern for the period. Interestingly, the Arabic numerals and leaf hands are similar to those of Patek Philippe's iconic reference 1518.

    Having resided in an important private collection for close to a decade, this example is preserved in excellent condition, boldly displaying contrasting polished and brushed finishes. Two crisp hallmarks are punched on the inside rim of the case, hidden by the case back as not to disrupt the appearance of the watch. The hard enamel printing is raised and the dial is preserved in overall pristine condition with hardly any tarnishing or spotting, which is particularly impressive considering its age.

    The superb condition of this timepiece combined with its ultra complicated movement make the present "grande complication" a rare and important piece to have for the discerning collector.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.

    Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.

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Ref. 658
A highly rare and attractive yellow gold minute repeating perpetual calendar openface pocketwatch with split seconds chronograph and moonphases

1950
50mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF150,000 - 250,000 
€129,000-214,000
$159,000-265,000

Sold for CHF200,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 81
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN

Geneva Auction 12-13 May 2018