Patek Philippe

I have always been fascinated by the Ref 130 due its size, rarity and pure elegance as compared to more modern chronographs. Does anyone have any experience with this reference? Also, I am assuming the yellow gold version as illustrated is more common tha...  

Hi sham .Really beautifull stylish watch, I had one 10 years ago and had it serviced by Patek , the replaced the movement completly cost me 5000 dollars at the time , and put in new buttons . Mine had base 1000 mile track. Chronographs are always very sen... 

I would definitely put aside some money for a service and have never worn a watch while playing sports as I do sweat quite uncontrollably not to mention I am quite injury prone!

Patek can service any watch to absolutely new-like condition. However, if the movement is somehow altered or non-Patek spare parts are used, they might refuse taking the watch for service. So agree with the seller that you will take the watch for a comple... 

Your advice is most useful and appreciated. Hopefully, it is all original. I tend to buy only new watches on the safe side but sometimes the allure of a watch as beautiful as the Ref 130 makes me re examine my priorities

but there are charming watches, like 130, available only 2nd hand. Good luck with your project! Best, Kari

they made watches and cars the way they used to in the 40s to 60s!

Congratulations to you Kari! Is that with the original certificate of origin and extract from the archives? How about a photo?! Knowing you, it must be something in steel or platinum!!

I just paid it and will receive the same early next week. Best, Kari

How many 50 year old watches will have its original box and papers??!! Well done!!

with box, papers, manual, sales receipt, price list... everything is possible. Best, Kari

one with a highly polished yellow gold case with a crisp dial, and it seemed robust. I started the chronograph as I turned on the same on my smartphone, went back to the counter after 10 minutes or so, and the watch was just a few seconds out of sync. the... 

I think the watch wears larger than 33mm due to the thin surrounding bezel. To me it is near perfect apart from the fact the lovely complicated movement is hidden by the solid gold case back. Oh well, can't have everything I guess!

I love these early chronographs (more 130 or 530 cases) and their wonderful dials. I saw one in the past in a window, so no real experience with such watches. However, I would really have to ask Patek to check the serial numbers and, if possible, a Patek ... 

for the most invaluable advice. I had not taken into account air humidity which will be important as I shall be retiring to Malaysia in June. You are right - this is quite a project and one cannot be too careful. I always believe one gets what one pays fo... 

are not retiring soon! LOL ! Cheers, Gordon

I am definitely retiring on 22 June this year! I guess I will just have to sell the car! Would sell the wife but I don't have one at present!

At 33 mm it is small by today's standards, but not small historically and I find it to be a very appealing size (provided one does not have a very large wrist). It is a bargain in yellow gold, unless it has a rare dial. Two things to be wary of. Most 130s... 

for the excellent advice. Quite a few things to consider should I decide to proceed with this 'project' and the purchase cost seems to be the least of my worries after reading all your posts. Hmmm, we shall see....