Patek Philippe
Simply the finest watch money can buy.
Even today, Patek Philippe’s extraordinary commitment towards precision and perfection means it takes almost a year to manufacture even its simplest watch movement.
Some significant moments in watchmaking since 1839 …
– 1839 Antoine Patek began producing about 200 high-quality pocket watches per year.
– 1845 Patek & Co. Partnership founded in Geneva with Jean Adrien Philippe, Technical Director.
– 1846 Tiffany & Co. New York, Tiffany appoints Patek Philippe as its principal supplier of pocket watches.
– 1857 Universal Exposition, London, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert buy a timepiece, bringing Patek international fame.
– 1867 the company produces the world’s first wristwatch.
– 1927 the company produces the world’s first perpetual calendar wristwatch.
– 1941 the company produces the world’s first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch.
– 1962 the company produces the world’s first automatic, perpetual calendar wristwatch.
It is said that fewer than 1 million Patek Philippe watches have been made since its first watch was completed in 1839. This is fewer than some high-end Swiss manufacturers (notably Rolex) produce in one year. In fact, the company limits itself to producing less than 50,000 watches per year, even though it is estimated by watch market analysts, the company could sell ten times this figure. Patek production is so precise, detailed and intricate, it takes almost a year to complete its most basic watch and more than two years to produce many of the more complicated timepieces.
Patek’s vintage complications hold more world record prices at auction than any other brand. Landmark models include the Patek model ref. 1518 – the world’s first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph – and its successor, the Patek ref. 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450.
We of course associate Patek Philippe with the very best, but also understated elegance, craftsmanship, heritage, exquisite design, perfection and total confidence and commitment in everything it does.
Description
A rare, pink gold Patek Philippe with a subsidiary seconds dial from 1959. At 33.5mm in diameter excluding the Patek Philippe signed crown, this was a typical sized gent’s Patek Philippe dress watch in period. However today, given the popularity among ladies to wear gent’s watches, this could equally be considered a suitable watch for a lady today.
The Dial
Although this watch is over 60 years old, the dial design is so elegant it could easily be mistaken for a contemporary watch today. Silver, with original gold ‘index’ hands and gilt indices, doubled at 12, along with the Patek Philippe signature. Add a subsidiary seconds dial and that’s it. So simple, yet so pleasing. No more, no less, but so well balanced, beautifully proportioned and simply executed to perfection. In harmony with its watch case, the dial suggests pure class, simple elegance, quality and confidence.
This is the original dial which has previously been restored to a very high standard.
The Case
Pink gold Patek Philippe watches were rare during the 1950s, which makes these highly sought after today.
Patek Philippe watches have always been conservatively sized. At 33.5mm in diameter excluding the Patek Philippe signed crown, this was a typical size gent’s Patek Philippe dress watch for the period.
The condition of the three-piece case is outstanding, indicating the watch has seen only light and careful use. It is as sturdy and tight as the day it was made, with all parts pressing together with a very firm click. There are no scratches, other marks, or signs of wear visible to the naked eye.
Inside the case, the case-back is signed correctly and as expected: ‘Patek Philippe & Co.’, ‘Geneve’, ‘Swiss’, with Swiss 18ct hallmarks, the case serial number 2600331 and the Patek Philippe Model Reference number 2596.
Movement
The watch carries the Patek Philippe Calibre 10-200, 18 Jewel, Geneva Seal hallmarked, Gyromax balance, free-sprung regulator, nickel-finished lever movement with a power reserve of 44 hrs.
As can be seen, this movement is in spectacular condition. The Geneva wave finishing on the bridge and plates and the bevelled edging throughout was all applied by hand 60 years ago, and looks as beautifully bright and fresh today as one could ever wish. This movement is in A1 condition indicating this watch has been properly cared for and regularly serviced.
The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced by a Master Watchmaker. This means dismantling the movement to each of its component parts, careful inspection under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine parts, then careful reassembly and adjustment, before final calibration in 5 positions. The movement winds sets and runs accurately and reliably and at final testing and calibration, it was running within +4 seconds per day, averaged over 5 positions. This is truly outstanding for any watch of this age. We are therefore highly confident in offering our 12-month warranty* with this watch.
The movement is all correctly signed, ‘Patek Philippe & Co.’, ‘Geneve’ and ‘Swiss’, with the Calibre number 10-200 with the movement serial number 748050, which dates this watch to 1959.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the full list price is paid.
The Strap and Buckle
The watch is fitted with a high-quality brown Alligator strap, with the original Patek Philippe signed solid 18ct pink gold buckle. These vintage Patek Philippe buckles sell for between £500 and £750 alone. If a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black straps in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with the watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating this watch to 1959.
Our detailed Watch Particulars document will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also be provided at the time of sale, along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee, which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.
This watch comes complete with a soft Patek Philippe travel pouch as shown.
In Conclusion
Here we have a truly rare and highly sought after vintage gold dress watch from horology’s most revered name which is truly a thing of beauty – to wear, use, treasure and enjoy. It will also make an excellent investment as well as a family heirloom piece. Even though Patek prices continue to rise, we still feel outstanding examples such as this remain grossly undervalued particularly compared to the price of a new Patek Philippe. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage Patek Philippe watches expands, availability will become ever more limited, meaning prices are destined to climb ever higher!
A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring these to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post-sales care and service. This approach inevitably means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are many well-known stores in West London which are very successful charging between two to three times our prices. We therefore consider our prices to be very fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges and offers of watches for sale.
We will be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.
Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage gold watches!
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
