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Lot Essay
This extremely fine, rare and attractive pink gold reference 130 chronograph with champagne dial is one of the cornerstone historic vintage models of Patek Philippe. Combining the classic ‘Calatrava’ style case with one of the most useful complications in watchmaking, the chronograph feature, reference 130 is regarded as one of the most appreciated of all Patek Philippe creations, and a foundation model for any serious vintage Patek Philippe collection.
Produced in yellow, pink and white gold, as well as in stainless steel, reference 130 features a number of dial variations. One of the most alluring is, without a doubt, the present combination: pink gold case and champagne dial.
Appreciating its glorious aesthetic, the present timepiece is furthermore preserved in splendid condition. When looking at the production numbers for different case materials for any vintage wristwatch, it is evident that pink gold versions are almost always rarer than yellow gold. This is a consequence of the fact that, in the beginning of the 20th century, the exotic glow of pink gold was considered unusual, and yellow gold versions were much easier sellers. Interestingly, pink gold watches were highly appreciated in South America, and it is not unusual for watches signed by South American retailers to be pink or even pink-on-pink. It is estimated that of the total production of reference 130, less than 25 percent were cased in pink gold.
The more understated looks of pink gold watches is now very much appreciated by those who deem yellow gold too ostentatious, but still want the pleasure of feeling the weight and appreciating the glowing looks of gold on the wrist.
Reference 130
Reference 130 is known as the first Patek Philippe wristwatch to have been given an individual reference number. The model is instantly recognizable by its Calatrava case, flat rectangular chronograph push buttons and concave bezel. Production was started in 1934 and the new chronograph was available in different precious metal versions as well as in stainless steel and with a variety of dial layouts. Reference 130 was originally introduced to satisfy the growing demand for wrist chronographs following the economic depression of the 1920s. Until the launch of the reference 130, Patek Philippe’s chronographs had only been available in very small numbers to a select few, mostly as unique pieces. The new series produced reference 130 were fitted with movements finished by the very best watchmakers with gold cases made by Vichet, one of the best Geneva casemakers of the time and subsequently it became a true icon of Patek Philippe. The reference has since become one of the most collectable vintage chronographs of all due to the variety of case materials and dial designs that were available over its production period.
Reference 130 is illustrated in Patek Philippe – An Authorized Biography, Nicholas Foulkes, 2016, p. 168, further examples in the Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches, Vol. II, pp. 262 -265.
Produced in yellow, pink and white gold, as well as in stainless steel, reference 130 features a number of dial variations. One of the most alluring is, without a doubt, the present combination: pink gold case and champagne dial.
Appreciating its glorious aesthetic, the present timepiece is furthermore preserved in splendid condition. When looking at the production numbers for different case materials for any vintage wristwatch, it is evident that pink gold versions are almost always rarer than yellow gold. This is a consequence of the fact that, in the beginning of the 20th century, the exotic glow of pink gold was considered unusual, and yellow gold versions were much easier sellers. Interestingly, pink gold watches were highly appreciated in South America, and it is not unusual for watches signed by South American retailers to be pink or even pink-on-pink. It is estimated that of the total production of reference 130, less than 25 percent were cased in pink gold.
The more understated looks of pink gold watches is now very much appreciated by those who deem yellow gold too ostentatious, but still want the pleasure of feeling the weight and appreciating the glowing looks of gold on the wrist.
Reference 130
Reference 130 is known as the first Patek Philippe wristwatch to have been given an individual reference number. The model is instantly recognizable by its Calatrava case, flat rectangular chronograph push buttons and concave bezel. Production was started in 1934 and the new chronograph was available in different precious metal versions as well as in stainless steel and with a variety of dial layouts. Reference 130 was originally introduced to satisfy the growing demand for wrist chronographs following the economic depression of the 1920s. Until the launch of the reference 130, Patek Philippe’s chronographs had only been available in very small numbers to a select few, mostly as unique pieces. The new series produced reference 130 were fitted with movements finished by the very best watchmakers with gold cases made by Vichet, one of the best Geneva casemakers of the time and subsequently it became a true icon of Patek Philippe. The reference has since become one of the most collectable vintage chronographs of all due to the variety of case materials and dial designs that were available over its production period.
Reference 130 is illustrated in Patek Philippe – An Authorized Biography, Nicholas Foulkes, 2016, p. 168, further examples in the Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches, Vol. II, pp. 262 -265.