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Descrizione dettagliata lotto
Considered as a high water mark of mid-century Patek Philippe design, it is unsurprising that the time-only reference 530 has enchanted and inspired some of the greatest collectors in the world.
Amongst ‘time only’ vintage Patek Philippe, this stunningly attractive black dial reference 530 in stainless steel is one of the most desirable. After almost a decade in an important private collection, we are elated to be able to offer it to collectors for this very special Christie’s in Asia 40th Anniversary auction.
The presence of a black dial on any vintage Patek Philippe watch is considered legendary by collectors and one of the most sought-after features to be found in any Patek Philippe model. The time-only reference 530 exists in very small numbers, fewer than 20 examples in stainless steel are known to have survived.
Stunningly attractive, the present watch is one of only around half a dozen pieces in steel with black dial currently known publicly. It is also the only known specimen to feature applied white gold Arabic and dot numerals. The steel case is made by Geneva master case maker Georges Croisier, the additional number ‘16’ stamped on the inside of the case back indicates that it was the 16th watch encased from that batch.
This watch has had a fascinating and unusual history. As confirmed by the Extract from the Archives, it was originally manufactured in 1943 with a black dial with raised steel hour markers. However, sometime later, probably in the 1960s, it was fitted with a silver dial, in all likelihood simply to bring it into line with the fashion at the time. Being a very discerning and highly dedicated collector, upon acquiring this watch, the owner immediately prior to the present owner decided to try to find an original correct Patek Philippe black dial to return the watch to its original and breathtaking appearance. This was considered to be an almost impossible task, but after a search lasting nearly a decade, remarkably a suitable dial was discovered. Made by Stern Frères in around 1945-47 with the correct ‘long’ Patek Philippe signature, it is now, as everyone would agree, returned back to its original splendour.
Black dials were almost never offered as a standard option, usually reserved only for special orders, they are consequently exceedingly rare. From our research, most of the very few known pieces with black dial and steel cases, both wrist and pocket watches, were made and sold between 1938 and 1943 – the early to middle years of World War II. This includes wristwatch references 530 and 1503 both existing with black dials on a very small number of watches. The reason for the production of this small cluster of steel watches with black dials in the late 30s and early 40s is interesting to contemplate, was it perhaps that some clients wanted to appear less ostentatious and more discreet during wartime whilst at the same time enjoying the ultimate luxury of a Patek Philippe watch. Furthermore, in relationship to the price of the watch, the difference in cost between a steel and a gold case was negligible and therefore the choice of a steel case was certainly no cost saving exercise. Whatever the reason, the legacy is a small and rarefied group of watches, including the present watch, that are amongst the most desirable of all Patek Philippe time-only timepieces.
Reference 530
Reference 530 is considered one of the most appealing vintage Patek Philippe references thanks to its large 36 mm size and eternally classic good looks. Originally released as a time only model, the chronograph version, with the same reference number and design was introduced in 1937. Reference 530 is undoubtedly one of Patek Philippe's signature pieces and was the first large Calatrava watch to be produced in series. So rare and so striking, its simple elegance and still modern aesthetic make it one of the most eminently wearable vintage timepieces.
Amongst ‘time only’ vintage Patek Philippe, this stunningly attractive black dial reference 530 in stainless steel is one of the most desirable. After almost a decade in an important private collection, we are elated to be able to offer it to collectors for this very special Christie’s in Asia 40th Anniversary auction.
The presence of a black dial on any vintage Patek Philippe watch is considered legendary by collectors and one of the most sought-after features to be found in any Patek Philippe model. The time-only reference 530 exists in very small numbers, fewer than 20 examples in stainless steel are known to have survived.
Stunningly attractive, the present watch is one of only around half a dozen pieces in steel with black dial currently known publicly. It is also the only known specimen to feature applied white gold Arabic and dot numerals. The steel case is made by Geneva master case maker Georges Croisier, the additional number ‘16’ stamped on the inside of the case back indicates that it was the 16th watch encased from that batch.
This watch has had a fascinating and unusual history. As confirmed by the Extract from the Archives, it was originally manufactured in 1943 with a black dial with raised steel hour markers. However, sometime later, probably in the 1960s, it was fitted with a silver dial, in all likelihood simply to bring it into line with the fashion at the time. Being a very discerning and highly dedicated collector, upon acquiring this watch, the owner immediately prior to the present owner decided to try to find an original correct Patek Philippe black dial to return the watch to its original and breathtaking appearance. This was considered to be an almost impossible task, but after a search lasting nearly a decade, remarkably a suitable dial was discovered. Made by Stern Frères in around 1945-47 with the correct ‘long’ Patek Philippe signature, it is now, as everyone would agree, returned back to its original splendour.
Black dials were almost never offered as a standard option, usually reserved only for special orders, they are consequently exceedingly rare. From our research, most of the very few known pieces with black dial and steel cases, both wrist and pocket watches, were made and sold between 1938 and 1943 – the early to middle years of World War II. This includes wristwatch references 530 and 1503 both existing with black dials on a very small number of watches. The reason for the production of this small cluster of steel watches with black dials in the late 30s and early 40s is interesting to contemplate, was it perhaps that some clients wanted to appear less ostentatious and more discreet during wartime whilst at the same time enjoying the ultimate luxury of a Patek Philippe watch. Furthermore, in relationship to the price of the watch, the difference in cost between a steel and a gold case was negligible and therefore the choice of a steel case was certainly no cost saving exercise. Whatever the reason, the legacy is a small and rarefied group of watches, including the present watch, that are amongst the most desirable of all Patek Philippe time-only timepieces.
Reference 530
Reference 530 is considered one of the most appealing vintage Patek Philippe references thanks to its large 36 mm size and eternally classic good looks. Originally released as a time only model, the chronograph version, with the same reference number and design was introduced in 1937. Reference 530 is undoubtedly one of Patek Philippe's signature pieces and was the first large Calatrava watch to be produced in series. So rare and so striking, its simple elegance and still modern aesthetic make it one of the most eminently wearable vintage timepieces.