US import tariffs: Non-US origin lots in this sale (including watches and timepieces with Swiss-made or non-US made movements) will be subject to special tariffs upon import to the USA, currently ranging from 10% to 39% on the total invoice price (hammer price plus buyer’s premium). Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable tariffs, duties, taxes and charges when importing their purchased lots. Due to the evolving nature of international trade regulations, we recommend clients consult with their local customs office or advisor for up-to-date information on the applicable tariffs.
75
Patek Philippe
Ref. 658
Grande Complication
A hefty and very rare yellow gold minute repeating perpetual calendar open face split-seconds chronograph pocket watch with moonphases
- Estimate
- CHF100,000 - 200,000€108,000 - 216,000$126,000 - 251,000
CHF190,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Patek Philippe
- Year
- 1931/1955
- Reference No
- 658
- Movement No
- 198'447
- Case No
- 680'488
- Model Name
- Grande Complication
- Material
- 18k yellow gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 17", 41 jewels
- Dimensions
- 50mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with applied yellow gold numerals in 1931 and its subsequent sale on July 18, 1955, and fitted box.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe’s complicated pocket watches are a marvel both for their technical prowess, and classic design. The “Modern” triple complicated line of pockets watch from the late 1930’s until the late 1950’s is a wonderful demonstration of the manufacturer continued traditional horological past, yet looking to a new modern appeal.
Launched in 1937, reference 658 features a large stepped case, featuring elegant clean lines with an architectural feel. Interestingly, the Arabic numerals and leaf hands are similar to those of Patek Philippe's iconic reference 1518.
Heavy and remarkable, reference 658 was at the time of production one of Patek Philippe's most complicated serially produced pocket watches and a true Grande Complication as it features a perpetual calendar, a minute repeater with delightful chimes and a split seconds chronograph (considered to be one of the most complex complications to master).
The present 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. The hard enamel printing is raised and the dial is preserved in overall excellent condition with hardly any tarnishing or spotting, which is particularly impressive considering its age.
The present reference 658’s movement was made in 1931 and cased in 1955.
The reference 658 is such a rare piece that only 7 pieces have ever appeared at auction.
Launched in 1937, reference 658 features a large stepped case, featuring elegant clean lines with an architectural feel. Interestingly, the Arabic numerals and leaf hands are similar to those of Patek Philippe's iconic reference 1518.
Heavy and remarkable, reference 658 was at the time of production one of Patek Philippe's most complicated serially produced pocket watches and a true Grande Complication as it features a perpetual calendar, a minute repeater with delightful chimes and a split seconds chronograph (considered to be one of the most complex complications to master).
The present 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. The hard enamel printing is raised and the dial is preserved in overall excellent condition with hardly any tarnishing or spotting, which is particularly impressive considering its age.
The present reference 658’s movement was made in 1931 and cased in 1955.
The reference 658 is such a rare piece that only 7 pieces have ever appeared at auction.
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.
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