Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1941 Reference No: 130 Movement No: 862'666 Case No: 624'076 Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold PPco pin buckle Dimensions: 33mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1941 and its subsequent sale on December 6, 1941.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe’s reference 130 is the “Calatrava” chronograph par excellence with its elongated downturned lugs and thin bezel giving the watch an impression of size. Reference 130 is one of the most storied and researched models made by Patek Philippe. It was first released in 1934 and remained in production until at least 1964. A legacy watch from the golden age of horology, this chronograph perfectly captures the spirit of traditional watchmaking and the supremely elegant ethos of Patek Philippe.
By the 1930’s, the growing demand from its clientele compelled Patek Philippe to introduce caliber 13-130, using the Valjoux chronograph cal.13.
Being in production for nearly 30 years the reference 130 was produced in yellow and pink gold, as well as in stainless steel with a number of dial variations.
The present example in yellow gold features an impressively well preserved case that has developed a pleasing oxidation, demonstrating that it has not been worn for quite some time. The case flank also features a crisp deep gold hallmark.
The vanilla toned dial with hard enamel signature features the prestigious Astrua Torino signature. Astrua was founded in 1860 in Turin, Italy, by Vincenzo Astrua to sell and repair pendulum clocks and pocket watches. It was one of only a very select few firms privileged enough to be allowed to put their name on a Patek Philippe dial.
Fresh to the auction market, the present reference 130 is only the 4th known to feature an Astrua Torino signature.
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.