Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1948 Reference No: 530 Movement No: 867'456 Case No: 511'389 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13"', 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by original fitted box, and Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of production of the present watch in 1948 and its subsequent sale on April 3, 1951. Literature: Reference 530 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 265.
Catalogue Essay
Imagine that the design of a historical piece is so relevant that one of Switzerland’s most prestigious brands decides to relaunch it as a modern reiteration. That is what the current Patek Philippe reference 5170 chronograph is, an homage to the delightfully awesome reference 530.
Launched in 1937, Patek Philippe’s reference 530 remains one of the rarest and largest vintage chronograph models manufactured by the firm, its large 36.5mm diameter being as contemporary as it was 80 years ago.
The reference 530 can be considered the ultimate in terms of rarity, desirability, and aesthetic beauty.
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 signature exudes beauty and grace.
Adding to the appeal of this timepiece is the fact that it comes from the family of the original owner where is has remained for decades unworn.
Fresh to the market, the present yellow gold reference 530 chronograph is only the 26th to appear on the market. The present reference 530 chronograph impresses with its original factory finished case, the satin and brushed surfaces provide for an arresting contrast and the gold hallmarks are crisp presenting an unbelievable opportunity not to be missed by the avid collector.
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.