Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1939 Reference No: 516 Movement No: 833’213 Case No: 618’704 Material: Platinum and 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 9’’’90, 18 jewels Dimensions: 29mm length x 21mm width Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1939 and its subsequent sale on October 8th, 1940.
Catalogue Essay
To think that in the early days of WWII, such an ornate wristwatch would be produced gives insight into not only the enduring appeal of Patek Philippe but also the sustainability of the watch market even in the darkest of times.
One of only seven examples to appear publicly, the present reference 516 was acquired by the proprietor of the Ride The Wave collection at auction in 2007, and has remained treasured as part of his collection until now. When it first appeared publicly, it was the earliest example of the reference to appear, and that remains true now, as the watch dates from 1939 coinciding with the first year of production. Consequently, it retains the coveted long Patek Philippe signature, fitted to the narrow dial. The angles and curves of the case are reflected in the facets of the crystal, which is original to the watch.
Presented in beautiful condition, with a deeply patinated rose dial and well-preserved case, this reference 516 is an overlooked gem of early 20th century Patek Philippe timepieces, ready to take its place in the modern era.
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.
