Patek Philippe

13''' damascened nickel lever movement, mono-metallic compensation balance • two-tone silvered dial, applied gold indexes, feuille hands, two subsidiary dials for seconds and 30-minute register, outer tachometer scale • 18k gold case with flat bezel, down-turned lugs, two rectangular chronograph pushers in the band, snap-on case back • case, dial and movement signed

Sotheby's Geneva

Movement running and chronograph functioning. Attractive dial sympathetically refreshed, case with light scuffs throughout. Lovely watch. Very rare reference in the production of Patek Philippe wristwatches, especially with this two tone dial.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1937 and sale on March 8th, 1938.

Reference 533 was manufactured from 1937 until circa 1957 and is similar to the reference 130 from which it differs by its flat rather than convave bezel. This bezel gives the 533 the appearance of the classic 'Calatrava'. Rarer than the 130, research shows that as few as 140 pieces may have been made in yellow gold, of which just 40 are currently known from the market. Unusually, more versions of the 533 were made in pink rather than yellow gold. 

The present wristwatch is especially rare since it is one of only 5 examples of the reference 533J known with a sector dial. During the period of its production, the Patek Philippe archives referred to these sector dials as "tachometer" dials and hence it can be seen that the Extract perfectly matches the present wristwatch. Interestingly Patek Philippe made four main versions of the so-called "tachometer"  sector dials for the reference 130 and 533, one for each of the years 1936-1939. At the time, all of these dials would have been hand made and so in addition to the different dial designs, natural variations would occur from one dial to another giving each a unique appearance.