Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, presents an exceptional deep dive into the ultra-rare world of Patek Philippe single-button chronographs. His meticulous compilation highlights the scarcity and unique characteristics of these vintage timepieces, particularly those housed in the distinctive hinged 'Officer' case. This article serves as an invaluable reference for collectors and enthusiasts seeking to understand the nuances of these historically significant Patek Philippe complications.
According to online literature:
- Only 27 Patek Philippe single-button Chronographs are known.
- Among them, only 16 have a hinged "Officer" case.
Hopefully, you'll like these chronographs as much as I do.
Best, Emmanuel
A/ OFFICER CASE & HINGED WIRE LUGS
1/ Movement n° 198'215, 34 mm case n° 292'634 in yellow gold with Victorin Piguet, cal. 13âââ produced in 1928, sold 1933
Lot 47 at Phillips STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them, New York Auction, 5 December 2018
Dial:
horizontal layout,
Breguet numerals
credit: hodinkee (1) & phillips
2/ Movement n° 197'900, 34 mm case n° 289'859 in yellow gold with cal. 13âââ, produced in 1924, sold 1926
Lot 224 at Phillips, The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018
Note that a slide at 2 oâclock enables the crown to be blocked preventing the user from inadvertently starting or stopping the chronograph.
3/ Movement n° 198'055, 34 mm case n° 290'999 in 18k gold, manufactured in 1926
Lot 189 at Christie's, Important Pocketwatches and Wristwatches, 12 May 2008
Dial: vertical layout, Breguet numerals
Slide at
2 oâclock enabling the blocking of the
crown
credit: christieâs
4/ Movement n° 198070, 34 mm case no. 291111 in 18k gold, circa 1927
Lot 27 at Christie's Exceptional Patek Philippe Wristwatches, 13 November 2001
Dial: vertical layout, Breguet numerals and scale (tachymeter scale with an unusual 200 meters base?)
Slide at
2 oâclock enabling the blocking of the
crown
credit: christieâs
5/ Movement n° 198216, 34 mm case n° 292635 in yellow gold, 1928
Lot 131 at Monaco Legend Auctions Exclusive Timepieces 22 ââ 23 October 2022 | Monaco
Dial: horizontal layout, two-tone sector with pulsometer scale
credit: monaco legend auctions
6/ The "Trossi Leggenda", 17''' damascened fully jewelled nickel lever movement n° 197952, 18k gold 46 mm case n° 415702, manufactured in 1925, sold on March 26th, 1932
This watch was originally purchased by
Count Carlo Felice Trossi, President of
Scuderia Ferrari who was himself, a racing driver, pilot and speed boat racer.
Lot 193 at Sotheby's Important Watches, Geneva, 11 May 2008
Dial: horizontal layout, applied indexes and tachymeter scale
Slide at 2 oâclock enabling the blocking of the crown
credit: sotheby's
B/ OFFICER CASE with REGULAR LUGS
Ref. 130, movement n° 198'246, 35 mm case n° 416'295, manufactured in 1929
Lot 181 at Christie's Important Watches, including A Gentleman's Pursuit for Excellence, Part I, 12 November 2012
Sector dial with horizontal layout
credit: John Reardon / Christies watches through
le-monde-edmondC/ REGULAR CASE & LUGS (all ref. 130)
1/ Ref. 130 Movement n° 198'406, 33 mm case n° 612'715 in yellow gold, 1930
Lot 305 at Christie's Important Watches, 13 May 2013
Lot 185 at Phillips The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII, 3 - 4 November 2023
credit: phillips & christie's (last photo)
2/ Ref. 130 yellow gold, produced 1936, sold 1937
Sector dial with
horizontal layout &
tachymeter scale
credit: Mentawatches
3/ Ref. 130, movement n° 198'073, 35 mm steel case n° 504'146, 1927
Lot 123 at Phillips The Watch Auction: One, Geneva, 10 May 2015
Sector dial with
vertical layout and
pulsometer scale
credit: phillips
4/ Ref. 130, movement no. 198'195, 33 mm case no. 610'660 in yellow gold, manufactured in 1928
Lot 300 at Christie's Important Pocketwatches and Wristwatches, 15 November 2004
Sector dial with
vertical layout
credit: christieâs
5/ Ref. 130, movement n° 198'334, 33 mm case n° 611'982 in yellow gold, 1929
Lot 137 at Phillips The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE Geneva Auction 15 May 2016
Black dial with
horizontal layout and
tachymeter scale
credit: phillips
About the Patek Philippe Complications Ref. 130
The Patek Philippe Reference 130 is a significant chronograph model, notable for its classic design and the various configurations in which it was produced. While many examples feature a standard chronograph layout, specific iterations, such as those with split-seconds functionality, represent a higher echelon of horological complexity within the reference. The model is recognized for its balanced proportions and the legibility of its dial, making it a favored choice among collectors seeking vintage Patek Philippe chronographs.
This particular example of the Reference 130 is distinguished by its yellow gold case, measuring 33mm in diameter. It houses a manual-winding movement, typical for chronographs of its era, and is fitted with a crystal, likely acrylic or sapphire depending on the specific production period and any subsequent servicing. The case construction and movement finishing adhere to Patek Philippe's high standards for precision and durability.
Collector interest in the Reference 130 is driven by its historical importance as an early chronograph from the brand and the rarity of certain dial and complication variations. The presence of unique characteristics, such as Breguet numerals, specific dial signatures, or the absence of a tachymeter scale, can significantly influence its appeal. The reference appeals to those who appreciate the foundational designs of Patek Philippe's chronograph lineage.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 13'''
- Case
- Yellow gold
- Diameter
- 33mm
- Dial
- Silver
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Complications Ref. Ref130
The Patek Philippe Reference 130 is a significant chronograph model, notable for its early integration of complex mechanisms within a refined case. This reference is recognized for its classic proportions and the clarity of its dial layout, which prioritizes legibility despite the chronograph functions. It represents a period of innovation in Patek Philippe's development of complicated wristwatches, establishing a foundation for future chronograph designs.
This particular example, crafted in yellow gold, features a single-button split-seconds chronograph mechanism. The case measures 33mm in diameter, housing a manual-winding movement. It is fitted with a crystal, and the dial is characterized by Breguet numerals, distinguishing it from other iterations of the reference. The absence of a tachymeter scale around the outer edge further contributes to its unique aesthetic.
For collectors, the Reference 130 holds particular appeal due to its historical context as an early split-seconds chronograph. Variants of this reference, especially those with unique dial signatures or specific numeral styles, are highly sought after. The individual characteristics of each piece, such as the Cartier signature and serial number, contribute to its collectibility and historical importance within the Patek Philippe lineage.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 13'''
- Case
- Yellow gold
- Diameter
- 33mm
- Dial
- Silver
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Hesalite
