Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1943
    Reference No: 1450
    Movement No: 836’347
    Case No: 633‘043
    Model Name: Top Hat “Pink on Pink”
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 9''90, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm length x 20.5mm width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the configuration of the pink dial and date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1943 and its subsequent date of sale on 4th March 1944.

  • Catalogue Essay

    During the Art Deco era, a scattering of imaginative rectangular designs emerged, each accompanied by equally inspired nicknames. One such example is the present ref. 1450 "Top Hat". Its distinctive profile and hooded lugs give the impression of a top hat, a fashionable accessory for men around the turn of the century.

    The cases were crafted by C. Markowski, recognized by the Poinçon de Maître no. 8, who was known for producing many of the rectangular case designs that gained popularity in the post-war years. The prominent domed crystal further enhances the watch's unique character.

    Encased in pink gold, which is already rarer than the standard yellow gold, this example features a highly coveted pink dial—a sought-after attribute even in today’s market. Our research indicates that only about one-third of the pink gold examples come with this dial configuration. In excellent condition, the hallmarks on the caseband remain extremely crisp, and the Extract from the Archives confirms the authenticity of the pink dial. This remarkable timepiece stands as a testament to Patek Philippe's exceptional creativity and innovative design.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    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.

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Property of an Important Asian Collector

918

Ref. 1450
An elegant, unusual and rare pink gold wristwatch with small seconds, hooded lugs and pink dial

1943
36mm length x 20.5mm width
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$50,000 - 100,000 
€5,900-11,700
$6,400-12,800

Sold for HK$82,550

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Hong Kong Auction 23 - 24 November 2024