236 Patek Philippe Very Rare and Well Preserved, Calatrava, Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, Black Gilt Dial, With Extract From the Archives, Certificate of Origin and Invoice, Reference 540

Estimate: €25,000 –⁠ 50,000

Reference: 540
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1938
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 12–120
Case N°: 295690
Movement N°: 828 855
Dimensions: 30 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Extract from the Archives, Certificate of Origin and Invoice

The present lot is one of only 6 examples known of reference 540, to the best of our knowledge. It is a rare reference in production only six years from 1937 till circa 1943 and this lot, manufactured in 1938, is still very well preserved with three body 30 mm case hooded and straight lugs with a semicircular stepped design that recall an Art-deco design. The dial offers a very rare black color with applied yellow-gold indexes, yellow-gold dauphine hands, subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock and the long Patek Philippe & Co. signature are still genuine and perfectly preserved after all these years. The caliber is the well known 12–120 with 18 jewels, rhodium-plated. Moreover this watch is accompanied by its original Certificate of Origin, Invoice and the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in yellow gold in 1938 and its subsequent sale on 9 June 1939.