136 Patek Philippe Most possibly unique, fresh to the market, preserved in original condition and coming from the original owner family, oversize rectangular-shaped wristwatch in platinum, with sector diamond-set dial, and rare platinum Gay Frères bracelet.

Estimate: € 40,000 –⁠ 80,000

Since the explosion of the watch auction market, collectors have had the privilege of witnessing some of the rarest and most exceptional timepieces. But let us be clear—finding a truly remarkable piece, one crafted on special request and still capable of captivating even the most discerning vintage enthusiasts, has become increasingly rare. Yet, once in a while, a watch surfaces that simply redefines excellence.
Such is the case with this magnificent Patek Philippe. A true gem of horological artistry, its significance transcends the usual boundaries of fine watchmaking. Manufactured in 1939, as confirmed by the extract from the archives, one cannot help but reflect on the historic context in which this piece was created. At the height of the turmoil and upheaval caused by World War II, a distinguished private client of Patek Philippe requested a truly extraordinary timepiece. Designed to his exact specifications—shape, size, and all—this was a watch that was innovative and unprecedented for its time.
The watch, property of the family of the original owner and entirely crafted in platinum, remains preserved in exceptional and unrestored condition. Its unusually generous case, featuring a stepped bezel and defined contours, shows its age only in the form of a fine patina—clear hallmarks that speak to its extraordinary preservation. Inside the case back, we find the signature of Patek Philippe and the Poinçons de Maître number 2, an unmistakable mark of Baumgartner, S. A., one of the finest case makers of the era. Baumgartner’s work speaks for itself—from their pivotal involvement in Omega’s 1932 Marine dive watch to Patek Philippe’s reference 2526, as well as their collaboration with Gilbert Albert on pieces like the “Golf” pocket watches.
This particular example stands as a testament to Baumgartner’s mastery of blending artistry and technical precision. The dial is equally breathtaking, still in its original condition, with a stunning sector design that strikes at every glance. The addition of diamond-set indexes further elevates its rarity and sophistication, it was indeed something seldom seen in Patek Philippe’s universe at the time and an early precursor to the later use of diamond indexes in the brand’s more iconic pieces.
And then, there is the bracelet, a marvel made by Gay Frères in full platinum. This ultra-fine mesh bracelet is an exceptional feat of craftsmanship, both technically challenging and costly to produce, no doubt specially ordered for this watch, and later associated.
The phrase “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” is often abused, but in this case, it is entirely fitting. For connoisseurs of vintage-shaped watches, this is not just a dream acquisition; it is an irreplaceable piece of horological history. A timepiece of this caliber should never be overlooked.