patekova
1414
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