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Lot Essay
One of the cornerstone models of Patek Philippe; combining the "Calatrava" style case with the chronographic feature, the reference 130 is regarded as one of the most appreciated Patek Philippe creations, and the base of any serious vintage Patek Philippe collection.
Produced in yellow, pink and white gold, as well as in stainless steel, it features a number of dial variations. One of the most alluring is, without a doubt, the present, so-called "pink-on-pink" combination: pink gold case and pink dial.
When looking at the production numbers for different case materials for any vintage wristwatch, it is evident that pink gold versions are always more rare than yellow gold. This is a consequence of the fact that, in the beginning of the 20th century, the exotic glow of pink gold was considered unusual, and yellow gold versions were much easier sellers. Interestingly, pink gold watches were highly appreciated in South America, and it is not unusual for watches signed by South American retailers to be pink or even pink-on-pink.
While we do not know the destination market for the present lot, this does not prevent us from appreciating its glorious aesthetic, this timepiece is furthermore preserved in splendid condition. If pink gold watches were considered unusual, pink-on-pink examples were deemed by many as superbly exceptional. Consequently, production of such masterpieces is extremely limited. For example, it is estimated that of the total production of reference 130, less than 25 percent were cased in pink gold. Of course, just a fraction of these went on to be fitted with a pink dial as well: only ten pink-on-pink 130s are known from the market. Only from the 1960s on, following the momentous social changes of the time and their repercussions on the fashion trends, pink gold watches started to be worldwide cherished creations.
The more understated looks of pink gold watches is now very much appreciated by those who deem yellow gold too ostentatious, but still want the pleasure of feeling the weight and appreciating the glowing looks of gold on the wrist. The present timepiece brings the whole pink gold concept one step further, thanks to the splendidly preserved pink gold dial, with the wonderfully raised long "Patek Philippe & Co." signature, absolutely correct for a watch manufactured before 1948.
To the best of our knowledge this watch has never before been offered in public.
Other examples of reference 130 are described and illustrated in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe - Volume II, pp. 262-265.
Produced in yellow, pink and white gold, as well as in stainless steel, it features a number of dial variations. One of the most alluring is, without a doubt, the present, so-called "pink-on-pink" combination: pink gold case and pink dial.
When looking at the production numbers for different case materials for any vintage wristwatch, it is evident that pink gold versions are always more rare than yellow gold. This is a consequence of the fact that, in the beginning of the 20th century, the exotic glow of pink gold was considered unusual, and yellow gold versions were much easier sellers. Interestingly, pink gold watches were highly appreciated in South America, and it is not unusual for watches signed by South American retailers to be pink or even pink-on-pink.
While we do not know the destination market for the present lot, this does not prevent us from appreciating its glorious aesthetic, this timepiece is furthermore preserved in splendid condition. If pink gold watches were considered unusual, pink-on-pink examples were deemed by many as superbly exceptional. Consequently, production of such masterpieces is extremely limited. For example, it is estimated that of the total production of reference 130, less than 25 percent were cased in pink gold. Of course, just a fraction of these went on to be fitted with a pink dial as well: only ten pink-on-pink 130s are known from the market. Only from the 1960s on, following the momentous social changes of the time and their repercussions on the fashion trends, pink gold watches started to be worldwide cherished creations.
The more understated looks of pink gold watches is now very much appreciated by those who deem yellow gold too ostentatious, but still want the pleasure of feeling the weight and appreciating the glowing looks of gold on the wrist. The present timepiece brings the whole pink gold concept one step further, thanks to the splendidly preserved pink gold dial, with the wonderfully raised long "Patek Philippe & Co." signature, absolutely correct for a watch manufactured before 1948.
To the best of our knowledge this watch has never before been offered in public.
Other examples of reference 130 are described and illustrated in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe - Volume II, pp. 262-265.