Mark in Paris
[Purist]
10488
That would be a fantastic project
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 watchmaker looking if the movement seems in lign with the price, hence if there are only guenuine parts etc...
The problem with those watches is that they aren't as air himidity resistant as more recent watches. This is something to take into account depending on what you're thinking to do with it.
I can't really imagine that such watches, if it has not been serviced for ages, can be used as they should. Hence, even if you can start the watch someone is showing you, it is not something to do on the long run if the oils are dry (and parts maybe a little oxydized).
Furthermore, activating such old unrestored movements can damage them.
Now, if you make the serial numbers check, have the movement seen by a Patek watchmaker (thus the interesting piece of advice given by Kari) and you have it serviced, I think you can be able to wear it quite regularly.
It would be helping safeguarding a part of watchmaking history, enjoy something rare and similar as a piece of art.
Enjoy your search Sham!
Best, Mark
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Attention all experts! :-)
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...
I used to have one .
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...
Thank you!
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!
One small advice:
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...
Thank you Kari!
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
Same with me. The main rule is new
but there are charming watches, like 130, available only 2nd hand. Good luck with your project! Best, Kari
Oh wow!
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!!
Original certificate.
I just paid it and will receive the same early next week. Best, Kari
That is amazing Kari!
How many 50 year old watches will have its original box and papers??!! Well done!!
I ought my wife 70 years old Patek
with box, papers, manual, sales receipt, price list... everything is possible. Best, Kari
I toyed with a 130 at a Sothebys auction viewing,
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...
Many thanks Clint!
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!
That would be a fantastic project
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 ...
Mark, Thank you :-)
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...
Hi Sham, good to see you wanting another Patek! Guess you...
are not retiring soon! LOL ! Cheers, Gordon
Hi 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!
Sham, 130 is IMHO an excellent choice!
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...
Thank you very much!
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....