Patek Philippe - STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them New York Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1946
    Reference No: 130
    Movement No: 863’873, further stamped "HOX"
    Case No: 646’766
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13”, 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 14K yellow gold Tiffany & Co. link bracelet
    Clasp/Buckle: 14K yellow gold Tiffany & Co. folding clasp, with initials “AK” engraved, stamped “14K C+B Tiffany & Co.”
    Dimensions: 33mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed. Dial additionally signed Tiffany & Co., bracelet signed Tiffany & Co.
    Literature: Examples of reference 130 are described and illustrated in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe - Volume II, pp. 262-265.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In the 1920s, Patek Philippe began to notice a surge in the demand for chronograph wristwatches. At the beginning, some very limited series and unique pieces were created, mostly powered by a Victorin Piguet ébauche. By the 1930s, it was clear that a serially produced model was necessary to satisfy demand. Launched in 1934, the reference 130 is powered by a heavily modified Valjoux movement, and easily recognizable due to its slightly curved, elongated lugs and thin bezel. The model was extremely successful and remained in production until at least 1964. Even though it was manufactured for close to 30 years, output was quite limited, resulting in a total of about 1500 pieces produced. It was offered in yellow gold, pink gold, and stainless steel (though other metals or combinations of metals have been used for special request pieces). The current example’s 18 karat yellow gold case was manufactured by Emile Vichet, signified by the number 9 inside a key stamped to the inner case back.

    Fresh-to-the-market, the present reference 130 is further enhanced by its dial featuring beautiful Breguet numerals and the prestigious “Tiffany & Co.” retailer signature on the dial. There are 72 total examples known to feature Breguet numerals, and only 10 examples of a reference 130 with Tiffany & Co. signature have graced the auction market. As would make sense for a watch sold to an American retailer, "HOX" is stamped on the movement: the American import code for Patek Philippe watches.

    The watch still bears a crisply engraved name to its case back, with corresponding initials on the clasp of the bracelet – and research indicates a remarkable original owner. Usually, these names cannot be tied back definitively to a specific owner. In this case however, the original owner was likely one Arthur Knorr, born in Indiana at the turn of the century. Though he started as a commercial artist designing posters and advertisements for local theaters, he quickly gained recognition for his artistry and skill. His work ethic and passion for the performing arts led to his being appointed producer, designer, and director for an array of theatrical performances including Broadway shows, the White House Correspondents Dinner, and the Miss America and Miss Universe pageants. A highly desirable reference, stunning dial, prestigious Tiffany & Co. retailer signature, and fascinating original owner makes this a standout example of a reference 130 that is certain to delight any collector of vintage timepieces.

  • 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.

    View More Works

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Ref. 130
A very fine and rare yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with Breguet numerals and tachymeter scale, retailed by Tiffany & Co.

1946
33mm Diameter
Case, dial, and movement signed. Dial additionally signed Tiffany & Co., bracelet signed Tiffany & Co.

Estimate
$40,000 - 70,000 
CHF39,900-69,800
€34,700-60,800
HK$314,000-549,000

Sold for $68,750

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them

New York Auction 5 December 2018