Patek Philippe

Keith Jarrett, USA

Important Collectors' Wristwatches, Pocket Watches & Clocks Including Watches from the Collection of Keith Jarrett, Antiquorum New York, March 15, 2006, Lot 103

The present lot was previously in the Collection of Keith Jarrett, an American pianist, composer, and master of improvisational music. The celebrated artist has been an avid collector of watches since the late 1960s and offered an exceptional tranche of his collection for public auction in 2006.

The Reference 533 was first made in 1937 and remained in production until 1957. It is very closely related to the iconic Reference 130, distinguished by early rectangular chronograph pushers, dial configuration, and the use of the caliber 13-130. Unique to the 533 is the flat bezel case, offering a stronger, more robust case shape for the time period.

While the Reference 130 enjoyed large production run of about 1500 pieces, the Reference 533 was produced in much smaller quantities. To the best of our research only about 300 pieces were made in total, the majority of which were in pink and yellow gold.

It is also interesting to note that Patek Philippe manufactured more pink gold models in this reference proportionately than any other reference known. Approximately 215 pink gold pieces were produced compared to about 125 yellow gold pieces. This is likely because the Reference 533 was manufactured for distribution to South American and South European markets where pink gold was more desirable.

For an example of Ref. 533, see Huber, M., & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. II, Second Edition, p. 264.