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Lot Essay
This stunningly attractive reference 130 combines a white gold case with a rose dial. With rarity, condition and superb looks, it is absolutely a most desirable classic vintage Patek Philippe chronograph for the collector.
The elite group of vintage Patek Philippe wristwatches made in “white metals” are among the most collectible and coveted wristwatches in the industry, the reference 130 in white gold, with only two examples known to the market, is elevated to the highest level of collectability and represents a unique opportunity to the most knowledgeable and passionate Patek Philippe collectors. When first discovered, the present timepiece surprised collectors through its rarity and sheer beauty, something which it continues to do almost two decades later.
Launched in 1934, reference 130 was predominantly cased in yellow gold, pink gold and stainless steel. To date, to the best of our knowledge only one other example in white gold is known to have appeared in public: no. 863’540⁄640’999, with silvered matte dial, sold at Christie's Geneva in 2021 after 20 years of being in a private collection.
The dial was most likely restored in the workshops of Stern Frères to its original salmon-gilt finish, with its pre-1948 ‘long’ Patek Philippe signature. The exceptionally rare white gold case has been very gently polished, presumably at the same time, leaving both hallmarks clearly visible.
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. 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. It remained in production until the 1960s.
The elite group of vintage Patek Philippe wristwatches made in “white metals” are among the most collectible and coveted wristwatches in the industry, the reference 130 in white gold, with only two examples known to the market, is elevated to the highest level of collectability and represents a unique opportunity to the most knowledgeable and passionate Patek Philippe collectors. When first discovered, the present timepiece surprised collectors through its rarity and sheer beauty, something which it continues to do almost two decades later.
Launched in 1934, reference 130 was predominantly cased in yellow gold, pink gold and stainless steel. To date, to the best of our knowledge only one other example in white gold is known to have appeared in public: no. 863’540⁄640’999, with silvered matte dial, sold at Christie's Geneva in 2021 after 20 years of being in a private collection.
The dial was most likely restored in the workshops of Stern Frères to its original salmon-gilt finish, with its pre-1948 ‘long’ Patek Philippe signature. The exceptionally rare white gold case has been very gently polished, presumably at the same time, leaving both hallmarks clearly visible.
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. 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. It remained in production until the 1960s.