In production for almost 30 years, Patek Philippe’s reference 130 is one the most iconic and recognizable of the brand’s vintage timepieces – an enduring combination of the celebrated "Calatrava" case design with the sporty elegance of a chronograph. Made in stainless steel, yellow and pink gold with a multitude of dial combinations, and as traditional chronographs and single-button chronographs, its simple yet elegant design symbolizes the firm’s balance between classicism and high watchmaking.
The present example is an early and rare combination featuring a single-button chronograph with a sector dial. Originally housed in tonneau-shaped cases made in the 1920s, these movements, produced by the great Victorin Piguet of the Vallée de Joux, Patek Philippe would later offer them in round-shaped cases due to society’s changing tastes.
The single-button chronograph mechanism remains among the most complex and sophisticated developments of time measurement. Whereas the standard chronograph is activated and reset through two buttons in the band, the single-button chronograph is controlled through either a button in the band, or like the present watch, the crown.
According to research, Patek Philippe produced single-button chronograph wristwatches between 1924 and the late 1930s in only approximately thirty examples. The reference 130 was Patek Philippe’s first chronograph model given a reference number with the gold cases made by Vichet, one of Geneva’s best case makers at the time.
Absolutely timeless, it is perfectly contemporary and relevant for today as it was 80 years ago when it was first sold. Its elegant round case, elongated lugs, and prominent bezel give it a distinguished, streamlined look with no extra pushers disrupting the perfect balance of the case.
The gorgeous sector dial is an interesting study in design, and is considered one of the most desirable dial types for collectors. It is interesting to note how sector dials were in fashion for a remarkably short time. They are usually found on watches made during the 1930s. It appears that Patek Philippe created a number of varying sector-type designs, differing from each other in the number of sectors and type of numerals employed.
The present, beautifully preserved dial, with its extraordinary raised, hard, champlevé enamel printing, has two distinct font styles - with the right side 30-minute register, and outer 60 minute scale in a vintage font, while the left-hand constant seconds, tachymeter and large hour markers are in a modern Art Deco font. The “Base 1000” and rate indications “120” down to “80” are in a bold print.
Patek Philippe chronograph watches with sector dials remain as unobtainable as they are attractive: only a few dozen such watches have ever appeared on the auction market. Since first sold publicly in 2012 when consigned by the family of the original owner, the present lot has been lovingly cared for by its second owner, a cherished piece in one of the world’s most prominent private collections.