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938

Patek Philippe

Ref. 407

A fine and attractive stainless steel rectangular wristwatch with small seconds and two-toned silvered dial

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The ref. 407 was introduced in 1936, 4 years after the Stern Brothers acquired Patek Philippe when the maison was amidst financial distress under the Great Depression. Its silhouette might remind one of the Gondolos as it also features a rectangular case that evokes the angular aesthetic of Art Deco architecture and decorative arts. The present example features a handsome two-toned silvered dial with white minute track and small seconds. It priorities proportion, finishing and heritage over overt technical complexity.

Inside the stainless steel case houses an illustrious manual 9’’’90 movement, which was in use for over 40 years. The tonneau-shaped movement, introduced in 1934, was fitted into many other iconic models, such as the "Banana" (ref. 2442), the "Eiffel Tower " (ref. 2441), and the "Tegolino" (ref. 425).

This present vintage example embodies class, rather than seeking attention. Even though it was designed and made over almost 90 years ago, it stands the test of time and remains a wearable watch today. It also has a thoughtful slightly curved back which ensures comfort of the wearer. Offered in excellent condition along with two Extracts from the Archives, this fresh-to-the-market timepiece is for collectors looking for understated elegance.

Patek Philippe

Swiss | 1839

Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.

Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.

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