PATEK PHILIPPE, REF. 130, A FINE YELLOW GOLD MANUAL-WINDING CHRONOGRAPH

Known as being the first Patek Philippe wristwatch to have been given an individual reference number. The model is instantly recognizable by its Calatrava case, flat rectangular chronograph push buttons and concave bezel. Production was started in 1934 and the new chronograph was available in different precious metal versions as well as in stainless steel and with a variety of dial layouts.

Reference 130 was originally introduced to satisfy the growing demand for wrist chronographs following the economic depression of the 1920s. Until the launch of the reference 130, Patek Philippe’s chronographs had only been available in very small numbers to a select few, mostly as unique pieces.

The new series produced reference 130 were fitted with movements finished by the very best watchmakers with gold cases made by Vichet, one of the best Geneva casemakers of the time and subsequently it became a true icon of Patek Philippe. The reference has since become one of the most collectable vintage chronographs of all due to the variety of case materials and dial designs that were available over its production period.