Patek Philippe - The New York Watch Auction: XI New York Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1939
    Reference No: 530
    Movement No: 829’093
    Case No: 506’300
    Model Name: Calatrava
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12’’’120, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with gilded dial and gold Breguet numerals in 1939, and its subsequent sale on June 30th, 1939.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe timepieces from the mid 20th-century hold a special attraction for their masculine appeal, understated elegance, and exceptional quality. Their desirability has stood the test of time, becoming icons amongst their peers and for generations produced extremely well-finished, precision timepieces that are appreciated and sought after by collectors and serious enthusiasts.

    The reference 530 was launched in 1937 remaining in production only until 1944. It is one of the rarest of all Patek Philippe vintage models, featuring an impressive 36.5mm diameter case which was extremely uncommon at the time. Another unique feature of the model was Patek Philippe’s use of both time only and chronograph calibers in the timepiece. The 530 chronograph was a larger option compared to the iconic reference 130 with its 33.5mm diameter case, in production from 1936 to 1964. The reference 530 time only wristwatch with concave bezel evolved from the iconic reference 96 and was released in tandem with the flat, cylindrical bezel model reference 570.

    The present time only reference 530 is a spectacular example, fitted with a never-before-seen gilded dial adorned with oversized Breguet numerals – both confirmed on the accompanying Patek Philippe extract. It is interesting to note that many time only examples of the reference 530 often feature rare and unusual dial types from the present gilded example to black lacquered. The case is in excellent condition and well preserved, as is the stunning, champagne-colored dial, which retains all of its raised, hard enamel printing with absolutely no losses. The flawless dial and case’s remarkable overall state of preservation is not only visually striking, but has aged in the sophisticated manner that it deserves.

    The reference 530 can be considered an ultimate vintage Patek Philippe timepiece combining large, modern sizing, extreme rarity, and incredible aesthetic beauty. The present, fresh-to-market wristwatch is a wonderful representation of this stately model that will impress anyone who has the opportunity to see it.

  • 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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Σ24

Ref. 530
An extremely rare, early, and highly important yellow gold wristwatch with gilded dial and oversized Breguet numerals

1939
36.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
$100,000 - 200,000 
CHF87,900-176,000
€93,700-187,000
HK$777,000-1,550,000

Sold for $393,700

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman, Watches, 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: XI

New York Auction 7 - 8 December 2024