Patek Philippe Chronograph 'Breguet' Dial

Patek Philippe has sat atop the horological mountain for going on two centuries, having earned near-universal acclaim for their proficiencies in designing, engineering, and manufacturing some of the most exquisite timepieces the world has ever seen. 

The celebrated maison has a tradition of creating watches that transcend generations. Leaning on the pillars of timeless design, refinement, and mechanical ingenuity, there’s arguably no other manufacture that does it better. With relatively low production numbers, ownership provenance, and limited editions, Patek Philippe's most highly collectable and rare watches often dominate auction headlines. 

If this one - a stunning fresh to market Reference 130 chronograph with Breguet dial - was offered at auction, it would certainly do just that!

To meet widespread demand for chronograph models in the years before the Second World War, Patek Philippe announced the manufacture’s first serially-produced wrist chronograph watch - the Reference 130, in 1936. Debuting only 2 years after the iconic Calatrava Reference 96, the new model embraced some of the Calatrava’s case design language but housed their new Calibre 13 chronograph movement with central chronograph seconds, a 30-minute counter, and subsidiary running seconds.

Classically proportioned with a tidy case size of 33mm, the Reference 130 embodies elegance in every sense of the word. Predominantly produced in precious metals including yellow, pink, and white gold, a very small number were also produced in stainless steel. While these rare stainless steel models might command the highest prices, we'll take a yellow gold Patek Philippe of any reference all day, every day.

Produced for nearly 30 years, the Reference 130 chronograph was produced with a variety of dial configurations including two-tone iterations, sector dials, ‘Roman’ indices, ‘Arabic’ indices, and a highly-coveted version with applied ‘Breguet’ numerals, which we are pleased to offer here. This rare variant also includes a printed tachymeter scale and railroad seconds track, gold-toned ‘feuille’ handset, and a twin sub-register display with matching railroad markings which are positioned at the outer boundary of the dial, which gives the impression of a much larger-wearing watch on the wrist.

This very special example is reportedly a single-owner example, never before offered for sale on the market. In outstanding condition throughout, the case was given a light refinishing, and it retains even lugs and a crisp hallmark. It also includes a signed black alligator leather strap and later 18k pin buckle, a period box set, and an Extract from Patek Philippe, confirming production and original sale in 1944.

Its hard to imagine that something so exquisite could come from out of one of the darkest years in human history, when Europe was on fire. But here it is - an incredible artifact that proves mankind's capacity for creating beauty amidst tragedy and chaos.

Be the next custodian of this truly special piece. 

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.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

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.