Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1942 Reference No: 130 Movement No: 862'926 Case No: 628'799 Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal 13-130, 23 jewels, stamped with the Geneva Seal Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 33mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1942 with rose dial, raised gold hour markers and tachometer scale and its subsequent sale on October 15, 1942
Catalogue Essay
The reference 130 is one of the most storied and researched models made by Patek Philippe. It was first released in 1934 and remained in production until at least 1964. A legacy watch from the golden age of horology, this chronograph perfectly captures the spirit of traditional watchmaking and the supremely elegant ethos of Patek Philippe. Its case is derived from the Bauhaus-designed reference 96 and was produced in many variations and metals. Some of the earliest timepieces were custom ordered and at times, the single button chronographs featured a Victorin Piguet ébauche, however by the mid-1930s, due to the growing demand from its clientele, in 1936, Patek Philippe introduced the caliber 13-130, using the Valjoux chronograph caliber 13, and added the 130 to indicate it would be used for the now iconic chronograph.
The present example is without a doubt one of the most striking iterations of this iconic model; not only it features a rare pink gold case, but it is furthermore fitted with a supremely attractive pink two-tone dial.
Property of a discerning collector, the watch was sent for an overhaul at Patek Philippe during which not only the movement was brought back to its original glory, but the case and dial as well. A very rare variation, only 15 "PoP" (Pink on Pink) examples are so far known.
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.