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96Σ

Patek Philippe

Ref. 530

A fresh-to-the-market, extremely rare, and impeccably preserved pink gold chronograph wristwatch with tachymeter scale

Estimate
$300,000 - 600,000
$431,800
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Patek Philippe
Year
1956
Reference No
530
Movement No
868’648
Case No
514’607
Material
18K pink gold
Calibre
Manual, cal. 13’’’, 23 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Crocodile
Clasp/Buckle
18K pink gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
Dimensions
36.5mm Diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
Accessories
Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1956 and its subsequent sale on September 5th, 1956. Further accompanied by updated Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1953 and its subsequent sale on September 5th, 1956.
Catalogue Essay
From the same prominent private collection as lot 19, the reference 1506, this reference 530 chronograph, cased in extremely rare pink gold, has never been seen at public auction.

The reference 530 was actually never featured in Patek Phiippe catalogues of the era, and it seems as though it was only offered to important clients who desired a larger chronograph than the concurrently produced reference 130. With a production timeline spanning from 1937 until 1962, even over two decades, only approximately 140 pieces are believed to have been produced in yellow gold, pink gold, and steel. Out of those examples, approximately 30 were made in pink gold, making it one of the scarcest serially produced pink gold chronograph wristwatches by Patek Philippe. To date, only 15 pink gold reference 530 examples have appeared on the market.

The 36.5mm case diameter is highly unusual for vintage timepieces of the era, and the combination of thick, downturned lugs and concave bezel give it a sportier appearance than the more delicate 130 and 533. Its important size, while making it an incredibly attractive timepiece for today’s tastes, is also the reason for its scarce production, as it was deemed too prominent on the wrist in the 1940s and 1950s.

Combining a contemporary size, quintessentially vintage design - both its case and dial, and such a limited output, it is obvious that any pink gold example of this model would be fiercely contended by Patek Philippe collectors all over the world.

The reference 530 is powered by the Valjoux-based 13''' caliber, and the cases were made by one of the best casemakers at that time George Croisier, as identified by the "5" inside a key stamped to the inside case back.

The hard enamel graphics of the dial are beautifully raised, and the dial has acquired a gorgeous ivory tone. The light patination of the gold hour markers adds further character and tonality to the dial. Overall, the present example manufactured in 1956 ticks the collector’s checklist – crisp case, stunning original dial, impeccable provenance, and market novelty. It is sure to be the highlight of any vintage chronograph collection.

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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