Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1949 Reference No: 530 Movement No: 867'650 Case No: 511'605 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13"", 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold pin buckle signed PPCo Dimensions: 36.5mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture in 1949 with Breguet numerals and subsequent sale on August 12th, 1950. Literature: Reference 530 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 265.
Catalogue Essay
There are certain references of Patek Philippe wristwatches that can be considered the ultimate in terms of rarity, desirability, and aesthetic beauty. The oversized chronograph reference 530, such as the present lot, is without any doubt, one of these.
Reference 530 was first launched in 1937, and remains one of the rarest chronograph models manufactured by the firm. Even though it takes design cues from its sister model, reference 130, the case size of reference 530 remains substantial even to today’s standards with a whopping 36.5mm. diameter.
The case and dial design of the present lot hit all the right notes. The perfect equilibrium between the case diameter and thickness, the powerful lugs and concave bezel speak of highly contemporary elegance. The gorgeous silver dial has turned a pleasing vanilla, the crisp hard enamel printing and ultra rare Breguet numerals exude beauty and grace.
The present lot is the only known reference 530 in yellow gold with Breguet numerals (as confirmed by the Extract from the Archives). Since its production in 1949 this watch has appeared on the international auction market once, in 2011, flying past its high estimate and breaking the world record for a yellow gold reference 530, proof of its desirability and exclusivity.
The present lot impresses with its original factory finished case, the satin and brushed surfaces provide for an arresting contrast and the gold hallmarks are crisp.
This reference 530 is not only rare but the Breguet numeral dial and incredible untouched condition give it almost a mythical status making it a crown jewel for the connoisseur.
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.