The Patek Philippe reference 130 is known for being the brand’s first production chronograph, released in 1934. It is also known for its lengthy production run that ended in 1964, resulting in various configurations. Among the roughly 1,500 examples produced, there is a range of dial layouts and even movements that would make appearances. Broadly speaking, the dual register dial design set within a 33 mm case set the tone of a uniquely beautiful design language that has persisted into Patek’s modern era. Patek initially relied on Piguet ebauche movements for the 130, but that quickly evolved to modified hand wound units from Valjoux labeled the caliber 13-130.
The design of the Patek 130 would go on to inform more complicated references to come, such as the brand’s first perpetual calendar chronograph, the reference 1518. The tone set with this watch has reverberated to many other watches produced by many other brands, and it’s come to be a foundational part of the brand’s lore. As a result, the reference 130 is generally a highlight during auction season, particularly in rare metals, such as steel, two-tone, and gold. Overall, this is as beautiful a watch as it is influential for the Swiss watch industry as a whole.
From the article by Allen Farmelo, Paige Reddinger, Victoria Gomelsky, Oren Hartov, Blake Buettner
