Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1940 Reference No: 530 Movement No: 862'524 Case No: 507'136 Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13"', 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold PPCo pin buckle Dimensions: 36.5mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with raised pink gold hour markers and tachymetre scale in 1940 and its subsequent sale on May 12, 1941. Literature: Reference 530 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 265.
Catalogue Essay
There are certain references in Patek Philippe’s production line that can be considered the ultimate in terms of rarity, desirability, and aesthetic beauty. The oversized chronograph reference 530 is without any doubt, one of these.
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 relevant today as it was 80 years ago.
Nevertheless, three elements, featured in the present chronograph, add even greater desirability to this grail watch: a perfectly preserved pink gold case, an ivory dial, and the prestigious Astrua Torino signature.
Only 14 examples of the large reference 530 in pink gold are known, the present version is not only the earliest example identified but is also the only one known with the famed Turin-based retailer’s 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.
The case has most probably never been polished, it is full and retains its original proportions. The satin and brushed surfaces provide an arresting contrast and the gold hallmark on the case flank is crisp. The unrestored dial has developed a tasteful ivory patina. The enamel signature is crisp, with the comma and accent on the –E– of Genève present.
Since its production in 1940, this watch has been offered on the international auction market only once, in 2013, and has remained in one of the world’s most important private collections ever since.
The appearance on the market of a Patek Philippe reference 530 is always a special event but to find one in in such superb condition, in pink gold, and with a unique retailer signature makes the present model a true celebration that should not be missed.
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.