Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1942
    Reference No: 533
    Movement No: 863'015
    Case No: 630'665
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 33mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, original invoice and archive picture and original black strap. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1942 and its subsequent sale on April 21, 1943.

  • Catalogue Essay

    While reference 130 is arguable the best known vintage Patek Philippe chronograph, it is in fact not the only model the company made. One of its closest relatives is indeed the present reference 533. Differing from reference 130 only for the flat bezel, the rest of the Vichet-made case is identical to its brethren. This subtle change dramatically modifies the overall look of the piece, most notably making it appear larger and more angular. As the flat, sharp-edged bezel is the defining feature of the watch, it is of paramount importance for it to be in excellent condition in order for the beholder to fully appreciated the aesthetics of the timepiece.

    Luckily, the present example is one of the best-preserved specimens of the reference to ever appear on the market. The bezel is as sharp as ever, and the hallmarks are present, deep and crisp. The lugs do not present signs of thinning or tapering, highlighting the superior level of preservation of the watch.

    As incredible as it sounds, its superior condition is boosted by the presence not only of the original Certificat d’Origine, but even the original invoice (from which one can see this watch was part of a 4 watches order delivered in Geneva to a Spanish client (Mr. José Mullor from Barcelona) on April 21, 1943 - a date confirmed by the Extract from the Archives.

    Reference 533 was in production from 1937 to 1957, and was made in very restricted numbers. It is estimated that the total production was about 350 pieces, of which only 125 in yellow gold.

  • 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. 533
A very fine, rare and extremely well-preserved yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with Certificate, invoice and box

1942
33mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF80,000 - 140,000 
€71,300-125,000
$80,600-141,000

Sold for CHF137,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019