Patek Philippe

• cal. 13''' nickel lever movement, 23 jewels, mono-metallic balance • two-tone pink dial, applied gold Arabic numerals and pointed baton indexes, two subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30-minute register, outer pulsometer scale • 18k pink gold case, down-turned lugs, snap-on back • case, dial and movement signed 

Dr. Alfonso Asenjo: 1945 - 1980
Dr. Juan Asenjo: 1980 - until present

The movement is running and chronograph in working condition at time of cataloguing, 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. The attractive dial in very good condition, few discreet and minor marks. Hands in excellent condition, replaced a long time ago. The glass with some scuffs throughout due to age. The case in good condition, polished in the past as expected for piece of that age. With the usual scuffs, scratches and indentation throughout due to age and use. Hallmark to the band at 9 polished to his edges but easy to read. The hallmark to the bottom right lug better preserved. Overall a beautiful piece, highly attractive especially the dial, in condition in accordance to its age. Recommended.
"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."

This reference 130 is a most attractive example of the celebrated reference.

Consigned by the descendants of the original owner, its high desirability resides in the exclusive association of the pink gold case and the pink dial, nicknamed "pink on pink" by connoisseurs.

The watch is further distinguished by the splendid dial combining two different tones and a pulsometer scale. These rare "doctor dials" were fitted on special request only.

Indeed, the piece was until today preserved in the Asenjo family, a dynasty of doctors and scientists. The family tradition relates that the watch was a present from a very thankful client in the middle of the 1940's.  Thus one can see why this watch was ordered with this particular dial, to honour the family to whom it was presented.

 

The original owner of the watch was the Chilean Dr. Alfonso Asenjo (1906-1980) who is widely regarded as the father of neurosurgery in Latin America.  In 1939, he discussed the opportunity to create an Institute of neurosurgery and neuropathology with Chilean Minister of Health. This centre was later renamed the Institute of Neurosurgery Dr. Asenjo.

Dr. Asenjo also founded the South American Congress of neurosurgery, was Vice President of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies. He took active part in the creation of the Journal of Neurosurgery, and went on to author over 200 publications . He also received different decorations including the French Légion d'honneur.

His son, Dr. Juan Asenjo is also a distinguished scientist who was professor at Columbia University and Academic at the University of Reading. In 2004, he was awarded with the National Science Prize in Chile, the same prize his father obtained in 1973. It is, until today, the only case of father and son receiving that prize.

 

The "pink on pink" combination, initially characteristic of the South American market and today highly sought-after by collectors from the entire world.

The reference 130 was launched in 1934 and was produced in different metal versions. However, the examples housed in a pink gold case represent less than a quarter of the production known to have survived.

Interestingly, the present lot is the second of only two examples of reference 130R with Arabic numerals and 15 pulsations dial known by scholars.

The extreme rarity, the provenance and the intrinsic beauty of the present lot make it one of the most appealing examples to appear in the recent years.

 

We are grateful to Eric Tortella for his assistance in researching this watch.