Horological Meandering: The Skaters Vintage Watches
Vintage

Horological Meandering: The Skaters Vintage Watches

By quattro · Mar 20, 2026 · 14 replies
quattro
WPS member · Horological Meandering forum
14 replies326 views41 photos
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In a fascinating exploration of horological design, quattro uncovers a surprising shared aesthetic among three titans of watchmaking: Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex. His detailed post, enriched with personal photographs from the Patek Philippe Museum and images from prominent collectors, spotlights the distinctive 'Skater' case design. This article delves into quattro's discovery, revealing how this unique case, characterized by its inclined mountings and downturned lugs, transcended brand boundaries and captivated even the most discerning collectors of the 20th century.

I'll get straight to the point

as surprising as it may seem, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Rolex used the same case design nicknamed “Skater” because of its unique lateral inclined mountings and prolonged downturned lugs.


Here's how I came to discover this surprising lineage.

Last February, during my visits to the Patek Philippe Museum, I was struck to find that one of Henry Graves, Jr's personal watches was a ref. 2425.

PATEK PHILIPPE REF. 2425



This watch, with its strange and unloved design, was nevertheless valued by this collector, one of the most eminent of the last century!












credit: personal photos from the Patek Philippe Museum


And here's another example sold by Antiquorum in 2021, just so you can fully appreciate the design and the 10-200 caliber.














credit: Antiquorum 


Later, I discovered that Roni Madhvani, another major collector, although more recent and very different, and also one of our fellow members here on WPS, owns:

  • not only an example of ref. 2425,
  • but also an Audemars Piguet with the same design: a piece of incredible rarity!

AUDEMARS PIGUET (UNKNOWN REF) & PATEK PHILIPPE REF. 2425













credit: Roni Madhvani (Patek 2425 & Audemars Piguet)


Finally, doing research, I discovered that Rolex, with its ref. 4731, also used this intriguing design!

ROLEX REF. 4731























credit: @momentumdubai












credit: @vintage.weirdo


What do you think about this design?

Do you like it? Hate it? Do you feel indifferent?

Best, Emmanuel

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The Discussion
MC
MCG (Markus)
Mar 20, 2026

it almost seems like they come from the same place from a manufacturing perspective. Unloved design? Then why three different manufacturers take this road? Interesting that this kind of case seems to have marked a “sweet spot” in customers demand. At least then? I ask myself why, but this is a different question… 😅

JM
jmousey
Mar 21, 2026

Looks a bit like one of those small padlocks you see on Hermes or LV handbags.

TH
Thomas_3
Mar 21, 2026

Glad you posted these photos.

VE
Vetnov
Mar 21, 2026

I like them👍. I always appreciate you showing me things I’ve never seen before. Very cool design.

QU
quattro
Mar 21, 2026

As you say, not unloved back then, but certainly now, as very few collectors are seeking them. Best, Emmanuel

QU
quattro
Mar 21, 2026

I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Best, Emmanuel

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