Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1945 Reference No: 533 Movement No: 863'748 Case No: 642'955 Material: 18k pink gold Calibre: Mechanical, 13''', 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Brown Patek Philippe crocodile leather strap Clasp/Buckle: 18k pink gold Patek Philippe buckle Dimensions: 33 mm. diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with raised gold indexes and gold hands in 1945 and its subsequent sale on 15 July 1946. Literature: For another example of a pink gold reference 533, please see Patek Philippe Wristwatches, second edition, by Martin Huber and Alan Banbery, page 264.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1937, reference 533 was fitted with a variety of dials, ranging from those with arabic numerals to two-tone silvered dials. The reference is characterized by its 'Calatrava'-style case and flat bezel. The present watch, cased in pink gold, features a beautiful pink dial which really matches the case. The numerals on the dial have oxidized slightly in the form of patina, really enhancing the vintage look of the watch. The case has been preserved in very good condition, still retaining a hallmark to the back of the lug. The present watch also features a monogram to the case back, bearing the initials "AV 1921-1946". One can only imagine what these intriguing dates mean, marking an important period of time within the original owner's life.
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.