.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
When examining production numbers across different case materials for vintage wristwatches, it becomes clear that pink gold examples are consistently rarer than their yellow gold counterparts. Yellow gold was much more commercially appealing in the early 20th century, while pink gold's warmer, more exotic hue was seen as unusual. If pink gold was considered unusual in and of itself, then so-called pink-on-pink watches, which combined a pink dial with a pink gold case, were considered truly exceptional and were made in particularly limited quantities.
The present timepiece belongs to this rare and highly coveted category. Only 360 of the roughly 1'500 examples of this model that were made overall were cased in pink gold, with around 130 examples known to the market today.
Reference 130
As the first wristwatch from the manufacturer to be given a unique reference number, reference 130 holds a significant position in Patek Philippe's history. It was appropriately powered by the 13-130 calibre, which is where the reference gets its name. The model is instantly identifiable due to its elegant concave bezel, flat rectangular chronograph pushers, and classic Calatrava-style case.
Production started in 1934, and the chronograph was available with multiple dial configurations and in a range of precious metals and stainless steel. Reference 130 was introduced to meet the growing demand for wrist chronographs in the aftermath of the economic depression of the late 1920s. Before its debut, Patek Philippe chronographs were only made in extremely small quantities, frequently as one-of-a-kind items for just a handful of customers.
The series-produced reference 130 marked a turning point: its movements were finished to the highest standards by master watchmakers, while its gold cases were crafted by Vichet, one of the most esteemed Geneva casemakers of the period. Preferred for the variety of its case materials, dial designs, and historical significance, the reference has evolved into a genuine Patek Philippe icon and one of the most collectible vintage chronographs of all time.
The present timepiece belongs to this rare and highly coveted category. Only 360 of the roughly 1'500 examples of this model that were made overall were cased in pink gold, with around 130 examples known to the market today.
Reference 130
As the first wristwatch from the manufacturer to be given a unique reference number, reference 130 holds a significant position in Patek Philippe's history. It was appropriately powered by the 13-130 calibre, which is where the reference gets its name. The model is instantly identifiable due to its elegant concave bezel, flat rectangular chronograph pushers, and classic Calatrava-style case.
Production started in 1934, and the chronograph was available with multiple dial configurations and in a range of precious metals and stainless steel. Reference 130 was introduced to meet the growing demand for wrist chronographs in the aftermath of the economic depression of the late 1920s. Before its debut, Patek Philippe chronographs were only made in extremely small quantities, frequently as one-of-a-kind items for just a handful of customers.
The series-produced reference 130 marked a turning point: its movements were finished to the highest standards by master watchmakers, while its gold cases were crafted by Vichet, one of the most esteemed Geneva casemakers of the period. Preferred for the variety of its case materials, dial designs, and historical significance, the reference has evolved into a genuine Patek Philippe icon and one of the most collectible vintage chronographs of all time.