Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1952 Reference No: 533 Movement No: 868’404 Case No: 672’209 Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13’’’, 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold buckle Dimensions: 33mm Diameter Signed: Case, Dial and movement signed Accessories: Add in accessories field: Accompanied by photocopy Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1952 with raised gold hour markers, and its subsequent sale on February 28th, 1953.
Catalogue Essay
While the reference 130 is arguably one of the best known vintage Patek Philippe chronographs, it is in fact one of several references the company manufactured. One of its closest relatives is the reference 533, like the present timepiece. Differing from the reference 130 only by the flat bezel (versus a concave bezel found in the ref. 130), the rest of the Vichet-made case is identical to its brethren. This subtle change dramatically modifies the overall look of the chronograph, most notably making it appear larger and more angular. As the flat, sharp-edged bezel is the defining feature of the watch, it is of paramount importance for it to be in excellent condition in order for the beholder to fully appreciate the aesthetics of the timepiece. Patek Philippe produced the reference 533 from 1937 until 1957, and it is estimated there are approximately 150 examples, of which there are 87 known pink gold examples. The present lot is one of only two known examples with a sublime, two-tone silvered dial and applied Roman numerals. Not only beautiful, it is extremely well-preserved with all of its raised, hard-enamel printing intact and vibrant. The pink gold case remains in excellent overall condition, with its hallmarks remaining remarkably crisp. This reference 533 is amongst the finest and best preserved pink gold examples of the reference to appear on the market in recent memory, making it a trophy watch for the connoisseur.
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.