The present example of hallowed chronograph reference 130 is fresh to the market and distinguished by its dial, the luxurious bracelet, and its overall condition.
A quick glimpse to the dial will immediately identify the Tiffany stamp, located at 12 above the Patek Philippe brand as typically found in co-signed Tiffany/Patek reference 130 models - quite unusually, given that normally the collector is used to seeing the retailer’s name at 6 o’clock. The movement bears the stamp HOX, indicating that the watch was delivered to USA, as expected from a Tiffany retailed example.
The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, with the tachymeter scale engraved/enamelled as the rest of the graphics. Such a characteristic highly increases the amount of work required, so much so that sometimes the engraving/enamelling was done only to the “standard” graphics while the tachymeter scale was printed. Furthermore, the scale is based in miles, appropriately so given the American destination market. The only printed details one can find on this dial are - as expected - the “swiss” designation and Tiffany stamp, which were applied at a later stage to finished dial destined to the New York retailer.
The case as well is in glorious condition, showcasing full lugs sharp edges, and the original crown. Not only one can easily distinguish the hallmark and retailer’s stock number under the lugs, but even the hallmark to the band - a location obviously very sensitive to polishing - is deep crisp and well defined.
The 14K gold CDL bracelet adds a final touch of luxury and flair, making this example as swanky and impressive as it is collectible.
Fresh to the auction market, the present configuration featuring both Breguet numerals and the Tiffany co-signature is extremely rare. So far, only 10 other examples share these traits, this new discovery being the 11th to be found.
Patek Philippe’s reference 130 is one of the most diverse chronograph models ever produced by the brand. In production from 1936 until 1964, the model was encased predominantly in yellow gold, with fewer examples in pink gold, stainless steel, and the very rare steel and gold configuration. Dials throughout the production varied as well with a range of designs from tachymeter, sector and pulsations scales. The reference was a potent combination of the iconic Calatrava case, and the sporty refinement of the chronograph. Its timeless elegance subtly suggests how the reference is a perfect merging of classic design and master craftsmanship. It today considered one of the cornerstones of Patek Philippe production, a model without which no vintage Patek Philippe collection can be considered complete.