92Σ︎
Patek Philippe
Ref. 550
A rare and attractive pink gold wristwatch with hooded lugs
Full-Cataloguing
- Rare 1930s model, particularly in pink gold
- This is the third examples known
- Fresh to the auction market
One of the most elusive Patek Philippe models, reference 550 was produced during the 1920s and 1930s and reflects the sense of whimsy that permeated watch design—and society in general—during the Roaring Twenties. The present charming wristwatch from Patek Philippe notably features hooded lugs and stands as a perfect embodiment of 1930s flair. Its stepped case, pyramid hour markers, and rectangular crystal combine to create a design that is both intriguing and captivating.
It is also interesting to note how the model, possibly because it was originally intended for male wrists, does not display the curves and floral motifs typically associated with Art Deco. Instead, it leans toward a far more geometric design, anticipating by several decades an aesthetic that would fully blossom in the 1960s and 1970s.
Hardly ever seen in the auction room, only two examples in pink gold have previously appeared publicly at auction, making the present watch the third known example and a fresh-to-the-market discovery.
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since 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.