My Three Favorite VINTAGE Pateks of all time!

May 13, 2020,10:54 AM
 









Inspired by Sham’s delightful post of his 3 favorite Pateks of all time, which are from the modern era, I thought it might be fun to initiate a corollary post limited to strictly vintage. For purposes of this discussion I am thinking of vintage as pre 1986. I.e. before the 3940 and 3970. I personally consider 3940 and 3970 from the modern era (although others may of course have a different view, especially as to 1st and 2d series 3940s/3970s).


For me the fact that unlike 2499 and 3448/3450, even the early 3940s and 3970s allow the user to quick set all calendar functions is a significant modernization. Frankly, I love the quick set feature, which makes the watch much more user friendly, but that said 1986 seems for purposes of this discussion, like a convenient starting point for the modern era.

So these are my 3 favorite all time watches, vintage or modern. If price and availability were not a problem ..... Of course, that is a somewhat ridiculous statement since all 3 are unique, likely not available at any price, and the price of each would be extraordinarily expensive, as in several million CHF/USD.

Each was manufactured during what many consider to be the golden years of vintage watches (1940s - 1970s), in fact within 5 years of each other, 1949-1954. In order of my preference, 

First place - Reference 2499 1st series pulsations dial in rose gold retailed by Freccero.and manufactured in 1951. It sold in Geneva at Antiquorum. Lot 82, October 19, 2002 for approximately 3.2 million CHF.

Second place - Reference 2497 in platinum with Breguet dial. Manufactured in 1954 it sold in Geneva at Christie’s lot 187 on May 12, 2008 for approximately 3.2 million CHF.

Thitd place - At the same Christie’s auction, Reference 1526 in steel. Lot 87, it sold for approximately 4.1 million CHF.

(I have included the auction data, as a source of information, in case anyone wants to learn more about these watches.)

I have 3 questions for the Forum members:

   What are your thoughts on these watches?

   How do you like/compare them to your favorite modern Pateks?

   What are your 3 favorite vintage Pateks.

I look forward to reading your thoughts. And again, many thanks to Sham for the inspiration!

Best, Patekova 





More posts: 15262497249939403970grand complications

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You have great taste my friend.

 
 By: Miles_151 : May 13th, 2020-13:02
My all time top 3 would be in this order. 3974r Must be a MR 1518r 2499r Ultimate 3 vintage for me. M.

Thank you. Yes at the top of my modern top 3 for sure.

 
 By: Miles_151 : May 14th, 2020-03:43
Ticks all my boxes and flicks all my switches. M.

Can’t wait to see you also my friend.

 
 By: Miles_151 : May 14th, 2020-03:46
However the watch is far prettier and more exciting than me. 😉. M.

ROFL!!! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : May 14th, 2020-03:48

Although it was showcased as the “vintage collection”

 
 By: Miles_151 : May 14th, 2020-03:45
At the London exhibition. M.

So hard...

 
 By: keks : May 13th, 2020-15:24
As there are so many amazing pieces... but I could see myself be satisfied with the attached ensemble... now if only 3 of them I could do without the rattrapante... Different metals different complications... ...  

I an a man of simple needs

 
 By: keks : May 14th, 2020-01:59
Geneva Observatory, 2499P, an old world timer would be a good trio for me... steel, platinum, rose gold... would not mind a 3448G as a fourth either...

The 2497

 
 By: lascases : May 14th, 2020-01:36
looks „over restored“ in this image, don‘t you agree? The dial... very strange. And also the case is not in such great condition. There was quite a lot pf polishing on this. Personally, I would not go for a piece that is super rare but not in excellent co... 

Thank you for your reply and excellent choices you make! Yes, there is somewhat of a redundancy in having 2 QPs, but for me that

 
 By: patekova : May 14th, 2020-04:46
is outweighed by the significant differences between the steel 1526 and platinum 2497. I share your view that condition trumps rarity. However, I have a different viewpoint on the condition of the 2497. When I had this watch in my hands at the auction vie... 

Interesting

 
 By: lascases : May 15th, 2020-00:06
that you could handle the piece at the auction house. I was not there so my impression was just based on the image (which can also be misleading)!

Briggs' 1526 for sure!

 
 By: gadalex : May 14th, 2020-05:54
I was fortunate to have been invited to work as a de facto member of the Christie's team for that auction where the 2497 and 1526 featured on the front cover of the catalogue (the best catalogue front cover ever?). In fact, the total for that sale was a r... 

A BIG thank you Baruch for your wonderful and informative story of the auction and your personal viewpoint. That auction was

 
 By: patekova : May 14th, 2020-06:35
extraordinary! And yes, I can imagine Aurel saying those exact words to you. When I held each of the 1526 and 2497 in my hands they literally took my breath away. Best regards, Patekova

A pleasure! [nt]

 
 By: gadalex : May 14th, 2020-10:36

1.the Cobra 2.any WT 3. 5070J [nt]

 
 By: Passionata_george : May 14th, 2020-12:01

What a breathtaking trio!

 
 By: chtjr : May 14th, 2020-20:44
To me, the ultimate 3 vintage Patel collection would have: 1 Ref 3973 I know, I know, it actually sits in the Patek museum, but it's a 2499 with a split seconds complication, can you judge me for wanting it? Hahaha 2. 3448 in Platinum In my opinion, this ...  

Great reply and thanks for unveiling 2499 split seconds! For modern, excluding special dial watches I would go with 2 of your choices,

 
 By: patekova : May 15th, 2020-05:19
5970P and 5004A. But my 3rd choice would be my favorite modern - 5016P minute repeater perpetual. Best Patekova

all amazing choices.Without selling both kidneys and at least one cornea, I reckon will remain a pipe dream. My 3

 
 By: watch-guy.com : May 14th, 2020-21:21
1. patek reverso- 2. Patek ref 2526 in plat 3.PATEK ULTIMA REF 1518 in steel ...  

Three extremely interesting and great choices. I didn’t choose steel 1518 as I don’t know of any examples that have surfaced in mint, unpolished codition.

 
 By: patekova : May 15th, 2020-05:23
Hadn’t thought about the reverso, which is uber rare. Thanks for your reply! Best, Patekova

My 3 favourite vintage Pateks are

 
 By: DOCSF : May 15th, 2020-02:11
1- 3615 2- 3973 3- 3699

Thank you for pointing out these truly extraordinary pieces!! For me 3615 and 3973 would easily qualify as among the top 5 watches ever

 
 By: patekova : May 15th, 2020-05:35
produced by Patek. I don’t know if any of your 3 amazing choices have been produced beyond a prototype or a special for Mr. Stern. For my list I was thinking about publicly known watches that have been sold. But if I dropped that limitation, I would expan...