The Patek Philippe Chronograph Ref. 130 is a true “Holy Grail” for serious vintage Patek collectors. This watch has influenced nearly a century of watchmaking since it was released and continues to be an icon of the horological world.
![Patek Philippe Chronograph 130 watch retailed by Tiffany on the wrist](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0207/2436/files/L2220739_2_1024x1024.jpg?v=1718653034)
History
Just two years after the Stern family acquired the brand, Patek Philippe introduced the Reference 130 as their first serially produced chronograph. Launched in 1934 as a monopusher chronograph, the Reference 130 was quickly redesigned as a two button chronograph within a few years. Over the subsequent thirty years, fewer than 1,500 watches were made across all metals in a variety of dials, with even fewer surviving today.
![Patek Philippe ad from AdPatina](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0207/2436/files/1937-patek-philippe-ref-130-precision-advertisement-507071_1024x1024.jpg?v=1718653240)
Photo from AdPatina
The Movement
The reference 130 initially used ébauches (unfinished movements) from Victorin Piguet, but Patek Philippe soon transitioned to a hand-wound Valjoux caliber, which they then upgraded and named the Calibre 13-130.
![Patek Philippe Chronograph Ref. 130 with Breguet Numerals Retailed by Tiffany & Co.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0207/2436/files/L2230219_1024x1024.jpg?v=1718653040)
This Grail
Finding an original condition Patek Philippe 130 is difficult; discovering one that was retailed by Tiffany & Co. with the retailers name on the dial is a once in a lifetime opportunity. This Reference 130 was originally manufactured by Patek Philippe in 1950 and sold in February of 1951 by Tiffany & Company. It is in ideal vintage condition, unmolested with typical minor wear, a sharp, full case and clean original dial.
If you have questions about purchasing, please inquire:
privateSale@thekeystone.com or +1-213-632-9061
![Breguet Dial on a Patek Philippe Chronograph Ref. 130](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0207/2436/files/L2220719_1024x1024.jpg?v=1718653049)
![Patek Philippe Chronograph Ref. 130](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0207/2436/files/L2220724_1024x1024.jpg?v=1718653056)
![Caseback of Patek Philippe Chronograph 130](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0207/2436/files/L2220733_1024x1024.jpg?v=1718653064)