Patek Philippe Reference 533 | A pink gold chronograph wristwatch, Circa 1953

Reference 533
A pink gold chronograph wristwatch, Circa 1953

Dial: silvered
Caliber: cal. 13’’ mechanical, 23 jewels
Movement number: 867’865
Case: 18k pink gold, snap-on case back
Case number: 658’563
Closure: 18k pink gold Patek Philippe buckle
Size: 33 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: no
Accessories: Patek Philippe presentation box, facsimile copy Henry Stern Agency service paperwork dated November 1st, 2007

Condition Report:
Case: The case is in very good condition with previous professional polish from service by Henri Stern Agency in 2009. Gold marks are visible on the case.

Dial: Dial and hands professionally serviced by Henri Stern Agency in 2009. Raised hard enamel signature remains robust. Light surface wear and dust.

Movement: The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.

***Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to international shipping.***

Catalogue Note:
The present lot was previously in the Collection of Keith Jarrett, an American pianist, composer, and master of improvisational music. The celebrated artist has been an avid collector of watches since the late 1960s and offered an exceptional tranche of his collection for public auction in 2006.

The Reference 533 was first made in 1937 and remained in production until 1957. It is very closely related to the iconic Reference 130, distinguished by early rectangular chronograph pushers, dial configuration, and the use of the caliber 13-130. Unique to the 533 is the flat bezel case, offering a stronger, more robust case shape for the time period.

While the Reference 130 enjoyed large production run of about 1500 pieces, the Reference 533 was produced in much smaller quantities. To the best of our research only about 300 pieces were made in total, the majority of which were in pink and yellow gold.

It is also interesting to note that Patek Philippe manufactured more pink gold models in this reference proportionately than any other reference known. Approximately 215 pink gold pieces were produced compared to about 125 yellow gold pieces. This is likely because the Reference 533 was manufactured for distribution to South American and South European markets where pink gold was more desirable.

For an example of Ref. 533, see Huber, M., & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. II, Second Edition, p. 264.

Provenance:
Keith Jarrett, USA

Important Collectors' Wristwatches, Pocket Watches & Clocks Including Watches from the Collection of Keith Jarrett, Antiquorum New York, March 15, 2006, Lot 103