106th Auction

2022/5/21

Lot 114

Patek Philippe
Top Hat

A rare and elegant vintage Geneva wristwatch

Sold

estimated
4.5006.500 €
Price realized
4.800 €
specific features
Case
18 K gold, push back.
Dial
Silvered, enamelled Patek Philippe signature.
Movement
Manual.
Case no.651174
Ref.1450
Cal.9-90
Diam.25 x 37 mm
Circa1947
Ctry.Switzerland


This 18 K gold example is outstandingly well preserved. The applied indexes have taken on a beautiful rainbow-coloured patina.


Reference 1450 is one of the few Patek Philippe wristwatches with a square-shaped movement; it was produced from 1940 to approximately 1960 mainly in yellow gold, with some pink gold and very few white gold or platinum examples with diamond-studded index dials. Collectors often refer to the model as the "Top Hat" because the profile of the watch is reminiscent of that particular head gear. The cases for this reference were made by Markowsky, the dials by Stern Frères. The watch is powered by calibre 9-90, regarded as one of the best form movements created by Patek Philippe.