Patek Philippe 'Birks' Rectangular Dress Watch

Though the famous Calatrava is — for good reason — perhaps the best known of Patek Philippe’s incredible dress watches, there are myriad others that deserve recognition.

From the rectangular Gondolo to the curvaceous Golden Ellipse, these timepieces, though simple in design, beg a closer look for their classic proportions and strict attention to detail. Patek has been producing such wristwatches for roughly a century of its 180-plus years, and shows no signs of slowing down.

The particular dress watch represents the confluence of Patek and one of North America’s most important retailers, Maison Birks of Bijoux, Canada. Birks was — and remains — a storied seller of wristwatches and jewelry, and was afforded the rare privilege of retailing watches from the likes of Patek and Rolex with its own name. (In the 1940s, Canadian servicemen were known to purchase Rolex watches from Birks in place of issued watches.)

Housed in a 25mm yellow gold case with an acrylic crystal, an unsigned, stylized crown, and a polished bezel, it features a gilt, non-luminous champagne dial with dauphine numerals, a blued steel ‘spade’ handset, an outer ‘railroad’ minute track, and a sub-seconds counter at 6 o’clock. Notably, it’s signed ‘Birks,’ and not Patek Philippe — a highly rare concession to an important retail partner.

Powered by the hand-wound Caliber 10” lever escapement movement, it comes paired to an 18mm brown leather strap with a yellow gold pin buckle, and is accompanied by an extract from the Patek Philippe archives showing a manufacture date of 1926 and a sale date of 1927. Understated and classic, this is a fine timepiece for those in the know.

Try it on for size!

Founded in 1839, Patek Philippe is one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world with an uninterrupted watchmaking history. Few international luxury brands carry the gravitas of their name, and for good reason. The firm's commitment to excellence in horological manufacture is unflinching, and their track record of innovation in design without peer. They continue to lead the industry, and even their fiercest competitors have nothing but the utmost respect for the company.

From the simple elegance of their Calatrava line to the stunning study in miniaturization that is reference 1518 perpetual calendar to the modern reference 5750P chiming watch, Patek’s catalog is chock full of some of the most elegant and complicated timepieces ever made. Family-owned and completely independent, the firm has the freedom to do what it wants — such as discontinue one of the world’s most beloved steel luxury sport watches, the reference 5711 — when it wants.

Owning a Patek Philippe is for many the ultimate goal of timepiece collecting, and for a certain type, the only timepieces they collect. Whichever way you look at it, there is no questioning the elegance of design, superlative manufacture of their cases and movements, or the sheer elegance and emotion that comes from owning one.

Of course for a brand that is steeped in heritage, we are told “You never actually own a Patek Philippe…”

Well, you know the rest.

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Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.