Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI Geneva Saturday, November 5, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 1951
    Reference No: 530
    Movement No: 868'126
    Case No: 512'623
    Model Name: "Monochrome Pink"
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and case signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives.

  • Catalogue Essay

    A remarkably rare model, ref. 530 can arguably considered the most timeless among the vintage Patek Philippe chronograph models. Sporting the clean Bauhaus-inspired Calatrava case design of reference 130, it features an overzise-for-the-time 36.5mm case thanks to which it enormously resonates with today’s taste.

    Its important size, while making it an incredibly attractive timepiece according to current standards is also there reason for its slim output, as it was deemed too prominent on the wrist in the 1940s and 1950s. Consequently, it is estimated that only a total of about 140 pieces were made, in yellow gold pink gold and steel.

    If 140 examples sounds like a small number, pink gold examples are much scarcer than that. it is estimated that no more than thirty 530 cases were made in pink gold, and so fare the market has seen about 15 examples.

    Combining a contemporary size, quintessentially vintage design - both of case and dial -, and such a restricted output, it is obvious that any pink gold example of this model would be fiercely contended by Patek Philippe collectors all over the world.

    The present watch, however, stands in a category of its own. In fact, practically all pink gold example known feature a silvered dial. Only two examples divert from this norm: an example with champagne dial, and the present piece with salmon dial.

    The combination of pink dial and pink case is beyond remarkable in terms of aesthetics, granting the piece an enormously warm and exotic vibe, and is obviously the reason of the moniker “Monochrome Pink”, with which this piece is known in the collecting circle since its first and only appearance at auction, in 2004, when it sold for 674’500 CHF. It is interesting to point out that this configuration was at the time appreciated mostly in the South American/Spanish market, and indeed this watch confirms that trend: one can find on the original buckle with probably an Eastern Europe import mark.

    Beyond its aesthetic attractiveness, the “Pink-on-Pink” (or “PoP”) configuration is considered a classic of Patek Philippe’s vintage production, as rarely employed as it is appreciated. Most notably, the “PoP” version of reference 1518 has been recognised as an ultimate grail by the community, with about a dozen pieces known out of a 281 pieces overall production. This helps to put in perspective the importance of the only known PoP iteration of ref. 530, with a 140 pieces overall production.

    Beyond its unicity, importance and aesthetics, the present watch can proudly say to be able to cross out also the “Condition” box on a connoisseur’s checklist. The case is beyond impressive, sporting full lugs, crisp hallmarks and strong sating finish to the band, truly a joy to behold. The dial as well can be described as breathtaking, with a very intense salmon tonality to the dial and strong graphics.

    Combining rarity, looks, condition and importance, the present watch is beyond any doubt one of the most remarkable pure chronographs ever produced by the company - a true Grail for the ages, if ever there was one.

  • 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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Σ113

Ref. 530
An extremely uncommon, attractive and superbly well preserved pink gold oversize chronograph wristwatch with pink dial, the only example known in this configuration

Circa 1951
36.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and case signed

Estimate
CHF300,000 - 600,000 
€309,000-618,000
$300,000-601,000

Sold for CHF901,200

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com
 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva
+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI

Geneva Auction 5 - 6 November 2022