Lot Essay
This vintage Patek Philippe chronograph is one of the most attractive reference 130s in yellow gold to be offered in public in recent years. Its desirability resides in its extraordinary, almost mint condition. The case shows sharp edges and hallmarks, the highly attractive silvered dial with strongly raised enamel pre-1948 ‘long’ Patek Philippe signature and scales is also in wonderful original condition with raised gold Roman half-hour markers and indexes and retaining a beautiful and delicate surface sheen. Time-warp examples of reference 130 in such sublime untouched condition have become rarer and rarer as collectors increasingly appreciate the importance of this landmark Patek Philippe chronograph.
Reference 130
Reference 130 is known as being 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.
Reference 130
Reference 130 is known as being 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.