In a world where the idea that “more is more” has been broadly accepted, watchmakers have used their tiny medium to create a blueprint for innovation across fields. When we look at fine vintage timepieces we are not only paying homage to a point in time, but are celebrating the act of time. As luxury wristwatches have evolved to house chronographs and perpetual calendars we have witnessed innovation be rewarded by collectors who wish to proudly display these advancements on their person.

With ever-increasing finesse and scholarship, discerning collectors however have distanced themselves from the simple approach of seeking out the newest and most complicated. When assessing a vintage watch there is much more than meets the eye when distinguishing ‘good’ from ‘great.’ Amongst the list of qualities that collectors take note of rarity, condition, beauty, provenance all play their part.

Outside the world of complicated watches, it can be stated without exaggeration that the present reference 530 in stainless steel is one of the world’s most beautiful and exclusive watches one can hope to obtain. Its rarity speaks volumes, as this example is fitted with a black dial adorned with Breguet numerals and represents the only one of its kind to exist in the world. This watch is absolutely the definition of unique.
The mirror polished silver print along the outer minute track and Patek Philippe signature matches perfectly with the hour markers, radiating such beauty. The flawless dial and case’s remarkable overall state of preservation is not only visually striking, but has aged in the sophisticated manner that it deserves.

This watch has graced the world’s most important and prestigious private collections with its presence, where it has remained in pristine, virtually unworn condition. This stunning steel reference 530 presents itself for the first time ever to be seen on the auction market at Phillips’ Geneva Watch Auction: Three.

Given the watch’s supreme importance, it should come as no surprise that our opinion has also been echoed by John Goldberger in his book, Patek Philippe Steel Watches. Mr. Goldberger dedicated this watch a prominent position inside his historical tome, a privilege only shared by the world’s best examples in their category.

This is possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity to own an important piece of horological history – representing most likely the most beautiful and valuable stainless steel "time-only" wristwatch and in this instance, what may appear as “less”, is in fact more.