108 Patek Philippe Extraordinary, Attractive and Very Rare, Calatrava, Wristwatch in Steel, Reference 530, With Black Glossy Dial and Yellow Gold Breguet numbers Coming From the Personal Collection of John Goldberger, Accompanied by the Extract of Archives

Estimate: € 250,000 –⁠ 500,000

Sold € 806,000

Model: Calatrava
Reference: 530
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1941
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 12'120
Case N°: 507 305
Movement N°: 921 068
Dimensions: 36.5 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Extract from the Archives, Box and Mr. Tortella and sons "deep-study" documentation
Literature: This Watch is Published in John Goldberger Book “Patek Philippe Steel Watches” at Page 115–116. For similar examples recently sold at auction, please see: # Phillips “The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE—Geneva Auction 15 May 2016” as lot 135 for CHF 1,445,000 # Phillips “Geneva Watch Auction: TWO—Geneva Auction 7 and 8 November 2015” as lot 269 for CHF 677,000 # Christie’s “Rare Watches and a Rolex Afternoon—Geneva 15 May 2017” as lot 165 for CHF 415,500.

There are, of course, many references by Patek Philippe that touch the heart of vintage watch collectors. However, the reference 530 does it arguably more than others. Part of the Calatrava family, ref. 530 is one of the very biggest Calatrava-style wristwatches from Patek’s vintage heritage, measuring a staggering 37 mm. Production began in 1937 and remained available in catalogs for over 10 years. First realized in 18k yellow gold before Patek executed a few examples in stainless steel and rose gold leading to a total production of only 140 cases, most of which were in yellow gold. Interestingly, some of the cases in stainless steel and yellow gold were produced by a different case maker, by the name Georges Croisier, to which the lug widths differ in length measuring 2.5 mm wider than the standard 19 mm. Given its limited number of productions the reference 530 stands today among the top most sought after Patek Philippe references chosen by devoted collectors for its rarity and its remarkable size, being one of the main as well as the first very large only time and chronograph wristwatch made by the Maison. The present lot is what we could define as a “Grand” ref. 530. An example from the very few existing stainless steel cases bearing a black gilt lacquered dial with yellow gold “Breguet” numerals. Being one of only a handful of watches that bear a gilt glossy black dial, furtherly enhanced by the “Breguet” numbers, is what makes this ref. 530 a true gem for collectors. Confirmed by the Extract from the Archives stating the dial configuration as: “Black, raised yellow-gold Breguet figures”. In incredibly well preserved conditions, the watch resided in and now comes from the personal collection of John Goldberger, one of the greatest and most prominent watch collections in the world. Published in his book “Patek Philippe Steel Watches” on pages 115–116. A monumental Patek Philippe timepiece that is now for the first time in its lifetime making an appearance at the auction. The characteristics of the present watch such as its stainless steel case, glossy black dial, and “Breguet” numbers, propel it to the top tier of vintage Patek Philippe as well as, of course, one of the best ever reference 530’s. We are grateful to Mr. Tortella and sons for the "deep-study" documentation.