Patek Philippe
Simply the finest watch money can buy.
Even today, Patek Philippe’s extraordinary care and commitment to perfection mean 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, shooting Patek to 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 refs. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450.
We associate Patek Philippe with the very best, but also understated elegance, craftsmanship, heritage, exquisite design, perfection and precision, and of course, total confidence and commitment in everything it does.
Description
Here we have a rare, model reference 121 square-cased Patek Philippe with a beautiful white dial from 1929, in 18ct pink gold. Relatively few square or rectangular shaped Patek Philippe watches were produced so these case shapes are more exclusive. At 28mm in width, excluding the nipple crown, this is a large-sized gent’s Patek Philippe dress watch for the period. It may not seem so large until one considers the case is 43mm across the diagonal.
The Dial
Although this watch is not far from 100 years old, the dial design is so elegant and timeless it could easily be mistaken for a contemporary watch today.
The white dial has original gold ‘dauphine’ hands and arrow hour indices, doubled at 3 – 6 – 9 – 12, along with the Patek Philippe signature. So simple, yet so pleasing. Nothing more, nothing less, so well balanced, beautifully proportioned and executed to perfection. In harmony with the watch case, the dial speaks of pure class, simple elegance, quality and confidence.
The dial is simply signed ‘Patek Philippe and ‘Genéve’ with ‘Swiss’ right at the bottom of the dial below ‘6’.
This dial is original, unrestored and untouched and it is in really excellent condition considering the age of the watch. Due to its good condition and for reasons of retaining the character and the originality of the watch, we have left it completely alone. If however, you would prefer the dial sympathetically restoring, we will be happy to arrange this for you without any extra charge.
Please note, studio lights, professional-grade digital cameras, and macro lenses can be very unkind to an unrestored vintage watch dial. Also the dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the image you’re seeing may be between 5 – 25 times larger than the watch itself. Therefore please keep in mind you are seeing many tiny flaws which cannot be seen, or will be very hard to see with the naked eye, even under close examination. Suffice to say, on the wrist, in natural light, this dial looks much better and carries a great deal more charm than the photographs portray.
Movement
Here we have a wonderful Patek Philippe movement which, like the rest of the watch, is in absolutely outstanding condition.
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 +15 seconds per day, averaged over 5 positions. This is outstanding for any watch of this age. We are therefore highly confident in offering our 12-month warranty* with this watch.
This movement is in A1 condition indicating this watch has been properly cared for and regularly serviced.
The movement is all correctly signed, ‘Patek Philippe’ and the movement serial number 817,988 which dates this watch to 1929.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the full list price is paid.
The Case
As mentioned above, square-cased Patek Philippe watches were rare which makes these highly sought after today. The case is beautifully crafted with multiple facets providing a classical look. The case features a broad bezel, sweeping away from the face, providing added drama and style.
Patek Philippe watches have always been conservatively sized and at 28mm across, excluding the nipple crown, this was a typical for the period. However, this is deceptive because as it measures 43mm across the diagonal, this is actually quite a large-sized watch for this period.
The condition of the two-piece case is outstanding with no scratches, other marks, or signs of wear visible to the naked eye, indicating the watch has seen only light and careful use. It is as sturdy and tight as the day it was made, with its two halves pressing together with a very firm click.
Inside the case is all correctly signed and as expected: ‘Patek Philippe’, ‘Geneve’, with Swiss 18ct hallmarks, the case serial number 87243 and the model reference number 121.
Please note, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap and Buckle
The watch is fitted with an original high quality Patek Philippe brown Alligator strap and matching Patek Philippe solid 18ct yellow gold buckle. However, 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 this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1929.
Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will also be provided at the time of sale with our ‘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 high quality hardwood presentation box.
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 check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and unfortunately out of our control.
We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges, however attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.
For those that happen to visit the UK on occasion we are of course more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and your watch directly to you there.
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 
