PATEK PHILIPPE, YELLOW GOLD WRISTWATCH WITH BREGUET NUMERALS, REF. 514, MOVEMENT NO. 832’401, CASE NO. 616’867

MANUFACTURED IN: 1938
CASE MATERIAL: 18K gold
CASE SIZE: 21.5 mm. wide, 43 mm. overall length
STRAP MATERIAL: This endangered species strap is shown for display purposes only and is not for sale. Upon sale, this watch will be supplied to the buyer with a calf leather strap (not shown)
DIAL: Silvered, applied Breguet numerals
MOVEMENT: Manual
FUNCTIONS: Time only
CALIBER: 9’’’90
WITH: Period 18K gold buckle, Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 18K gold with silvered dial, raised gold Breguet numerals in 1938 and its subsequent sale on 25 July 1938

+ This lot is subject to standard Swiss VAT rules and 7.7% VAT will be charged on the ‘hammer’ and the ‘buyer’s premium’

Ψ This endangered species strap is shown for display purposes only and is not for sale. Upon sale, this watch will be supplied to the buyer with a black leather strap.

This lot is subject to standard Swiss VAT rules and 7.7% VAT will be charged on the ‘hammer’ and the ‘buyer’s premium’
This endangered species strap is shown for display purposes only and is not for sale. Upon sale, this watch will be supplied to the buyer with a black leather strap.

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This lot is offered by Christie's International SA

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Lot Essay

The rare yellow gold reference 514 offered here is an attractive and well-preserved example of the model, the dial layout combining both baton and Breguet numerals. The case is very crisp with sharp angles and clear deep hallmark on the side of the case.

According to research, the estimated total production of the reference was only 65 pieces, of which only around five examples in yellow gold have returned to the international market.

Reference 514
Reference 514 was in production from 1936 until at least 1947. The modern, yet typical Art Deco style case was designed to fit around the wrist and is also called ‘Railway’ because of its aerodynamic look and the stepped sides reminiscent of railway tracks.

The model was available in yellow gold, pink gold, stainless steel and platinum with cases made by the Geneva master casemakers R. Staffelbach & U. Rotach.

It is interesting to note that the design of Patek Philippe's tourbillon wristwatch, the celebrated reference 5101P, was inspired by reference 514. The Ten Day Tourbillon wristwatch was Patek Philippe's showpiece at the Baselworld 2003 and is already seen today as one of the most exclusive collector's watches of the 21st century.

A steel example of reference 514 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Steel Watches, John Goldberger, 2010 edition, p. 148-155.