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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with silvered dial and tachometer scale in 1930 and its subsequent sale on 27 May 1936.
This rare and important gold single-button chronograph wristwatch with its lovely multi-tone shimmering dial stands as an example of the extremely fine craftsmanship, design and technology of the famed firm of Patek Philippe.
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 controls all of these functions solely through the crown. According to current research, Patek Philippe produced single-button chronograph wristwatches between 1924 and the late 1930s in approximately only thirty examples, the majority encased in the timeless round "Calatrava"-style case like the present timepiece.
Patek Philippe commissioned the ebauches to be made by Victorin Piguet of Le Sentier. V. Piguet et Frères was founded in Geneva and 1880 and later moved to Vallée de Joux in 1883. Though the firm never produced watches under their own name, this company produced extremely high quality and unusual complicated movements for Patek Philippe and other watchmaking firms during this period.
The reference 130 is Patek Philippe's first chronograph model which was given a reference number. The gold cases were made by Vichet, one of Geneva's best case makers of the time. Under this reference Patek Philippe produced a diversity of watches such as the traditional chronograph but also the more exotic single button chronographs.
According to the family of the original owner of this timepiece, the wristwatch had been a special order.
The classic design of this reference 130 single-button-chronograph is evidenced not only in the beautiful proportions of this model's case but also in the detailed design and execution of the rare multi-toned silvered sector (also known as aviator's) dial.
To have the opportunity to own such a timepiece, maintained and held reverently for a long time within the original family, presents a truly rare find for the demanding collector.
This rare and important gold single-button chronograph wristwatch with its lovely multi-tone shimmering dial stands as an example of the extremely fine craftsmanship, design and technology of the famed firm of Patek Philippe.
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 controls all of these functions solely through the crown. According to current research, Patek Philippe produced single-button chronograph wristwatches between 1924 and the late 1930s in approximately only thirty examples, the majority encased in the timeless round "Calatrava"-style case like the present timepiece.
Patek Philippe commissioned the ebauches to be made by Victorin Piguet of Le Sentier. V. Piguet et Frères was founded in Geneva and 1880 and later moved to Vallée de Joux in 1883. Though the firm never produced watches under their own name, this company produced extremely high quality and unusual complicated movements for Patek Philippe and other watchmaking firms during this period.
The reference 130 is Patek Philippe's first chronograph model which was given a reference number. The gold cases were made by Vichet, one of Geneva's best case makers of the time. Under this reference Patek Philippe produced a diversity of watches such as the traditional chronograph but also the more exotic single button chronographs.
According to the family of the original owner of this timepiece, the wristwatch had been a special order.
The classic design of this reference 130 single-button-chronograph is evidenced not only in the beautiful proportions of this model's case but also in the detailed design and execution of the rare multi-toned silvered sector (also known as aviator's) dial.
To have the opportunity to own such a timepiece, maintained and held reverently for a long time within the original family, presents a truly rare find for the demanding collector.