Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII Geneva Friday, November 3, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1940
    Reference No: 530
    Movement No: 862'524
    Case No: 507'136
    Model Name: "Astrua Torino"
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13"', 23 jewels
    Dimensions: 36.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    There are certain references in Patek Philippe’s production line that can be considered the ultimate in terms of rarity, desirability, and aesthetic beauty. The oversized chronograph reference 530 is without any doubt, one such masterpiece.

    Launched in 1937, Patek Philippe’s reference 530 remains one of the rarest and largest vintage chronograph models manufactured by the firm, its large 36.5mm diameter being as relevant today as it was 80 years ago. Nevertheless, three elements, featured in the present chronograph, add even greater desirability to this grail watch: a perfectly preserved pink gold case, an ivory dial, and the prestigious Astrua Torino signature.

    Only fourteen examples of the large reference 530 in pink gold are known. The present version is not only the earliest example identified, but is also the only one known with the famed Turin-based retailer’s signature on the dial.

    Astrua was founded in 1860 in Turin, Italy, by Vincenzo Astrua to sell and repair pendulum clocks and pocket watches. It was one of only a very select few firms privileged enough to be allowed to put their name on a Patek Philippe dial.

    The case has most probably never been polished, it is full and retains its original proportions. The satin and brushed surfaces provide an arresting contrast and the gold hallmark on the case flank is crisp.
    The unrestored dial has developed a tasteful ivory patina. The enamel signature is crisp, with the comma and accent on the –E– of Genève present.

    Since its production in 1940, this watch has been offered twice on the international auction market - once in 2013, and another in 2018, and has remained in one of the world’s most important private collections ever since.

    The appearance on the market of a Patek Philippe reference 530 is always a special event but to find one in in such superb condition, in pink gold, and with a unique retailer signature makes the present model a true celebration that should not be missed.

  • Artist Biography

    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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Σ176

Ref. 530
An extremely rare, large and very attractive pink gold chronograph wristwatch with off-white dial, retailed by Astrua Torino

1940
36.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF350,000 - 700,000 
€363,000-727,000
$385,000-769,000

Sold for CHF558,800

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

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The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII

Geneva Auction 3 - 4 November 2023