122Σ︎
Patek Philippe
Ref. 530
An extremely fine, rare, and oversized pink gold chronograph wristwatch with tachymeter scale
Full-Cataloguing
• One of the rarest configurations of the reference in pink gold
• Oversized alternative to the reference 130 chronograph at 36.5mm diameter
• Powered by the calibre 13-130, based on Valjoux ebauche
• Case made by George Croisier, and is preserved in excellent condition featuring satin finishing
Inspired by the time-only reference 530, the chronograph variant of the 530 is an incredibly rare watch. So rare that it was never featured in any Patek Philippe catalogue. The earliest examples date back to 1937, while the last ones were produced in 1962.
In the case of the chronograph 530, only a handful of these watches are known to exist, with literature suggesting that around 140 pieces were made in yellow gold, pink gold, and stainless steel. Out of the 140 examples, approximately 30 were made in pink gold, making it one of the scarcest serially produced pink gold chronograph wristwatches by Patek Philippe.
Boasting a large 36.5mm case diameter, it was very unusual for a vintage Patek Philippe, and its concave bezel makes it a very attractive timepiece even in modern days. One interesting aspect of this model is that it can feature two different lug designs. Some have a lug gauge of 21.5mm, while others, like the present watch, have a 19mm gap, giving it a more masculine and modern appearance. 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.
When the watch originally appeared on the market, the dial showed very prominent signs of aging. However, it has been professionally cleaned, bringing back its shine and beauty. With its exceptionally sharp case, crisp hallmarks on the band, and an equally impressive dial, this timepiece would undoubtedly be considered one of the crown jewels in any of the world's most important vintage watch collections.
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.