Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE Hong Kong Monday, November 25, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1938
    Reference No: 733
    Movement No: 870’391
    Case No: 663’344
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 17”’, 18 jewels
    Dimensions: 47mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Further accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture in 1938 and its subsequent date of sale on 2nd September 1966

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe produced the reference 733 from 1941 until the early 1950s and scholarship indicates there are eight known models in stainless steel. The model was firmly rooted in the Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 1930s. In the 1930s, the design become more subdued following the Great Depression and there was more focus on new materials like stainless steel, as well as polished surfaces and a streamlined form referred to as Streamline Moderne.

    The present watch is an interesting timepiece for the fact that it is a 733, however it was manufactured several years prior to the release of the model, making it the earliest known example and it was not sold until 1966, long after the reference was discontinued. In excellent overall condition with a clean dial, this is a rare opportunity for any collector to own a very moderne watch.

  • 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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925

Ref. 733
A fine and attractive stainless steel pocket watch, the earliest known example

1938
47mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$30,000 - 50,000 
€3,400-5,700
$3,800-6,400

Sold for HK$56,250

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
thomasperazzi@phillips.com
+852 2318 2001

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE

Hong Kong Auction 25-26 November 2019