08 October 2014 | Patek Philippe , Auctions ,

LIVE Report Preview

Patek Philippe to be auctioned at Christie's on display at Orologeria Luigi Verga

100 fine timepieces belonging to a period between the early 20s and the 80s celebrating an important event, the 175th anniversary of Patek Philippe through what may be regarded to as the most prestigious thematic auction in the maison's history and the entire horology. It is the auction organized by Christie's that will officially take place November the 9th in Geneva you are perhaps all aware of.

You are perhaps not aware until now that those timepieces are now traveling throughout Europe and have just arrived in Italy, close to Piazza del Duomo , Milan , inside the boutique founded by Luigi Verga in 1947, a longstanding Patek Philippe partner, on display during an event that has gathered the greatest number of Italian watch collectors.

Among all those watches, I chose three which represent just a preview, as each of the ones we have photographed deserve a dedicated in-depth article. They are the “The Boeing” Patek Philippe reference 130 , the Patek Philippe World Time reference 2523 and the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar reference 3442 .

The Patek Philippe reference 130 is a split second single push piece chrono in 18k gold with an unrivaled historical and technical value. Made in 1939 it is the only split second single push piece chrono sold by Cartier , whose logo is printed on the dial at 6, with Breguet numbers and no tachometer made exclusively for William E.Boeing and never before offered at an auction. It carries a pre-sale estimate of 400.000 - 800.000 Swiss Francs .

The Patek Philippe World Time reference 2523 is a rare 18k gold world time with double crown and 24h indication, blue enamel dial made in 1953 and has an estimate of 1.500.000 – 2.500.000 Swiss Francs .

The last one of this preview is a gold and hand wound Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar reference 3449 with moon phases, straight lugs and triple stepped bezel, therefore nicknamed in Italy as “ Tre Scalini ” (Three Steps) made in 1961 . This one comes in remarkable condition and was sold in 1961 for $ 5500 by Linz Jewelers . It is today valued at 1.000.000 - 2.000.000 Swiss Francs .

(Photo credit: Horbiter's proprietary live photo-shooting by Karin Vettorel at Orologeria Luigi Verga )

Federico Nolfi @Horbiter - Watches & Luxury