Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1920 Reference No: 139 Movement No: 200'315 Case No: 610'676 Model Name: "Driver's" Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 8''', 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle Dimensions: 27mm. Width, 15mm. Length Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract of the Archives confirming production of the movement of this watch in 1920 and the sale of the watch on July 27th, 1934. Literature: Reference 139 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, page 119.
Catalogue Essay
The present watch is one of the very rare examples of the so-called "Driver's" reference 139. Launched in 1933, reference 139 is one of Patek Philippe’s earliest references, it remained in production for approximately 3 years and was available in yellow and white gold. To date, only 11 examples are known in yellow gold and 5 in white gold. Nicknamed “Drivers’ watch” by collectors due to its horizontal lay-out, this unusual shape would allow the wearer to place the watch on the side of the wrist to ease the reading of time while driving without taking the hand off the steering wheel. The faceted crystal follows the shape of the case and further underlines the length of the watch. Despite a small case size, the thick gold applied hour markers give this watch a sporty and masculine look that would perfectly fit a gentleman’s wrist while driving a vintage car or at a dinner during a Goodwood meeting!
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.