Patek Philippe - The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT New York Saturday, June 10, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 1937
    Reference No: 130
    Movement No: 863'534
    Case No: 626'204
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13’’’, 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel
    Dimensions: 33mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and strap signed.
    Literature: A similar example is described in Patek Philippe Steel Watches by John Goldberger, pages 240-241.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1932, Patek Philippe was acquired by the Jean & Charles Stern Company and in the same year the firm launched their very first serially produced wristwatch via the Calatrava ref. 96. In 1934, Patek Philippe released their very first serially produced chronograph wristwatches named “13 501”, two years later they were renamed as the reference 130.

    Early examples of the reference were mono-pusher chronographs powered by a Victorin Piguet-based caliber. In 1936, the firm switched to a Valjoux-based cal. 13’’’, with each movement hand finished with Geneva stripes by the most skilled watchmakers at the time. While gold cases were made by master case-maker Vichet featuring slightly thinner, more elongated lugs, stainless steel cases were made by three different case-makers including Wenger, as well as Georges Croisier and Dubois.

    It is estimated that only 270 examples in stainless steel were produced between 1937 to 1951, and those can be divided into three distinct series:
    - First series (1937 – 1942): Estimated 125 cases produced by Geneva-based case maker Georges Croisier. Earlier examples feature a lug width of 18mm, while later examples feature a 20mm lug width. Both variants retain pin holes to the sides of the lugs. (the present watch)
    - Second series (1942 – 1944): Estimated 135 cases produced by Le Locle-based case maker Dubois.
    - Third series (1950 – 1951): Estimated 25 cases produced by Geneva-based case maker Wenger. No pin holes on the side of the lugs.

    With a charmingly aged two-tone dial, turning to an ivory tone, and desirable long Patek Philippe signature, the present reference 130 in stainless steel remains as aesthetically relevant today as it did almost nine decades ago. Fitted with a period-correct Patek Philippe calfskin strap, it will certainly heighten the profile of any vintage watch collection.

  • 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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Ref. 130
A rare, early, and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with two-tone dial

Circa 1937
33mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and strap signed.

Estimate
$60,000 - 120,000 
CHF54,100-108,000
€55,700-111,000
HK$470,000-939,000
S$80,800-162,000

Sold for $76,200

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT

New York Auction 10 - 11 June 2023