Reference 530 is often associated with Patek Philippe's large chronograph wristwatch, but is also the correct model number for one of the firm's most beautiful and largest "time-only" wristwatches of the 1940s. Close examination reveals many similarities with the better known reference 570, but also two noteworthy differences. Firstly, the bezel on reference 530 is concave (vs. cylindrical with reference 570), and secondly, the diameter of reference 530 is 36.5mm, a little bit larger than reference 570.

Stainless steel examples of reference 530 are amongst the rarest gems throughout Patek Philippe's history of wristwatches, and examples with Breguet numerals are of such scarcity, that until today a maximum four watches could be located and identified.

The present example shines with a multi-tone silvered dial that has never been restored in over 70 years, and impresses with its harmonious play of different surface finishes and colors of the three different segments.

This watch, from 1941 has only once appeared at auction in 2006, and had back then caused a sensation amongst specialists, scholars and collectors. Not only has it achieved a world record result at the time nearly tripling its pre-sale estimate, but since then has been the subject of numerous discussions and publications, notably in John Goldberger's most complete tome dedicated to stainless steel Patek Philippe watches. The fact that it is featured in this book must be considered a knighting in its own right.