Patek Philippe Boeing & Relatives Vintage
Vintage

Patek Philippe Boeing & Relatives Vintage

By quattro · Jun 12, 2025 · 19 replies
quattro
WPS member · Patek Philippe forum
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In this fascinating exploration, quattro delves into the unique Patek Philippe Ref. 130 split-seconds chronograph crafted for aviation pioneer William Edward Boeing. His meticulous research uncovers distinctive features and proposes compelling theories behind the watch's design, particularly the intriguing three red stripes on its minute hand. This article not only highlights a rare timepiece but also connects it to another significant Patek Philippe creation, enriching our understanding of the brand's bespoke history.

This yellow gold Patek Philippe single button split-seconds chronograph ref. 130 was made especially for William Edward Boeing (1881-1956), founder of The Boeing Company.

Several elements set it apart from the other known early split-seconds chronographs:
  • it has Breguet numerals;
  • it is signed Cartier and has the original Cartier serial number under the lug;
  • it has three red stripes on the minute hand; 
  • it does not have a tachymeter scale around the outer edge.
Unfortunately, the case has been rather heavily polished and the dial has probably been refurbished at some point by Patek Philippe, which could be the reason why it remained on the low end of the estimate when it was sold at Christie’s in November 2014.

The Boeing ref. 130: movement no. 198'396, case no. 617'296, hand-stamped Cartier no. 8949, manufactured in 1930 and sold on 9 June 1939












Below: photo of William Edward Boeing


credit: hodinkee (1-4), christie’s (5), horbiter (6) & San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives (photo of W. E. Boeing)


Among the possible explanations of the three red stripes on the hour hand, one of them suggests that it is related to Mr. Boeing's passion for horse racing: a prominent horse breeder, he probably used the watch to time horses and the three stripes could be a symbol of the "quarter pole" that represents, with three red stripes denoting that three quarters of a mile have been passed, the remaining quarter in a horse race. 

This interpretation seems supported by the fact that Patek Philippe was no stranger to the world of horse racing, having realized another unique split-seconds wristwatch, ref. 1436 (movement no. 862'274, case no. 621'854) for one of the most successful jockey of the time: Wendell Eads (1923-1997), who, according to a New York Times article in 1941, was cited as the leading apprentice at Hialeah Park for his outstanding achievements: thus the unique inscription found at 6 o’clock on the dial.

This timepiece was sold by Christie's New York in December 2012 and by Phillips in December 2024.

Wendell Eads' ref. 1436 in yellow gold











 

Below: a 1941 horse racing press photo of jockey Wendell Eads at Hialeah Park




Below: a three-stripes quarter pole

credit: Phillips, Christie's (last photo of the watch), horseracingstuff (press photo of Wendell Eads) & @amplifyhorseracing (photo of the quarter pole)


Interestingly, there is another yellow gold Cartier signed ref. 130, with a case number only one digit away from the "Boeing".

Movement no. 198405, case no. 617297, Cartier no. 8703, manufactured in 1930 and sold on 15 December 1938  (this watch was sold by Antiquorum in 1989 and by Christie's in 2001)





credit: Christie's & Antiquorum


Lastly, only about ten early Patek Philippe split-seconds chronographs are known, including the Boeing and the other Cartier-signed example seen above. 

Here are the six examples I've been able to identify, presented by increasing movement number.

1/ Movement no. 124824, case No. 235326, with Enamel dial, manufactured in 1903 and sold on October 13, 1923. Now displayed at the Patek Philippe Museum

This watch, which is said to be the the very first split-seconds chronograph wristwatch ever made by Patek Philippe, first appeared at Antiquorum in 1999 and was later sold to the Patek Philippe Museum in 2014 by Sotheby's





















credit: Hodinkee (1-4) & Sotheby's


2/ Movement no. 198012, case no. 290652, made for a left-handed wearer, manufactured in 1925, retailed by Grogan Co., Pittsburgh, PA and sold on 4.1.1927

The hinged gold cuvette bears the engraved inscription "The Lord gave me a wonderful blessing in the most devoted, lovely and unselfish son a mother ever had. Mother. If thy Presence go not with me carry us not up hence. Exodus 33-15"

Sold by Antiquorum in 1989 and Christie's in 2006




credit: Christie's & Antiquorum


3/ Movement no. 198098, case no. 605969, made in 1927 for Grogan Co., Pittsburg, PA, sold on 31 August 1937

Sold by Antiquorum in 1989 and in 1996




credit: antiquorum


4/ Movement no. 198142, case no. 606828, manufactured in 1927 and sold on July 12th 1929

This watch was specially ordered from Patek by Harry Gordon Selfridge (1858-1947), founder of the London-based department stores Selfridges, who offered it to famed racer Sir Henry O'Neal de Hane Segrave (1896-1930). The watch was engraved on the back, commemorating their friendship.

According to some biography, the watch was on Segrave's wrist when he died and was returned to Selfridge, who wore it himself for a while.

At some point later, while visiting the aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart in America, Selfridge gifted her the Segrave watch, and in exchange, she gave Selfridge the Longines she was wearing on her two record-breaking Transatlantic flights.

The Patek Philippe "Segrave" split-seconds chronograph was sold in 2024 by Monaco Legend Auctions and Mark Kauzlarich wrote an interesting article about it for Hodinkee.






















Below: Patek Philippe Wristwatches, by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery



Below: Amelia Earhart wearing the Patek split-seconds single-button chronograph



Below: the Longines single button chronograph Amelia Earhart gave Harry Gordon Selfridge in exchange for the Patek Philippe. 

The back bears the inscription: "This watch was worn by Amelia Earhart on her two transatlantic flights and presented by her to H.G.S.Jr just before her death." 



credit: @_1_5_1_8_ (photos 1 & 2), Monaco Legend Auctions, The Amelia Earhart Collection at Purdue University (photo of Amelia Earhart) & le petit poussoir (photos of the Longines)


5/ Movement no. 198206, case no. 415610. Unique Luminous Dial, retailed and signed by Tiffany & Co, New York. Made in 1928, sold on September 23rd, 1938

Sold by Antiquorum in 2009








credit: Davide Parmegiani (1-3) & Antiquorum


6/ Movement no. 198369, case no. 416660, started in 1930 and sold in 1934 

Sold by Antiquorum in 1995


credit: Antiquorum


Thank you so much for reading to the end (it's heroic)!

Best, Emmanuel

About the Patek Philippe Complications Ref. 130

The Patek Philippe Reference 130 is a significant chronograph model, notable for its classic design and the various configurations in which it was produced. While many examples feature a standard chronograph layout, specific iterations, such as those with split-seconds functionality, represent a higher echelon of horological complexity within the reference. The model is recognized for its balanced proportions and the legibility of its dial, making it a favored choice among collectors seeking vintage Patek Philippe chronographs.

This particular example of the Reference 130 is distinguished by its yellow gold case, measuring 33mm in diameter. It houses a manual-winding movement, typical for chronographs of its era, and is fitted with a crystal, likely acrylic or sapphire depending on the specific production period and any subsequent servicing. The case construction and movement finishing adhere to Patek Philippe's high standards for precision and durability.

Collector interest in the Reference 130 is driven by its historical importance as an early chronograph from the brand and the rarity of certain dial and complication variations. The presence of unique characteristics, such as Breguet numerals, specific dial signatures, or the absence of a tachymeter scale, can significantly influence its appeal. The reference appeals to those who appreciate the foundational designs of Patek Philippe's chronograph lineage.

Specifications

Caliber
13'''
Case
Yellow gold
Diameter
33mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
QU
quattro
Jun 12, 2025

https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-patek-philippe-an-exceptionally-rare-and-unique-5836311/? But these three stripes could also celebrate Mr. Boeing's first factory, the famous Red Barn (see below)... I chose the horse racing interpretation because it leads to another important Patek Philippe watch! Best, Emmanuel credit: wikimedia

QU
quattro
Jun 12, 2025

Thank you, M4. Best, Emmanuel

AU
AuHavrePro
Jun 12, 2025

Despite having read a number of articles on W.E. Boeing, and seen a number of documentaries, I was completely unaware of his marvelous PP 🙂👌. Thank you very much Emmanuel for a wonderful pictorial. Cheers, Filip

QU
quattro
Jun 12, 2025

The Boeing is quite marvellous indeed! I also like the Wendell Eads very much. Best, Emmanuel

GL
GLau
Jun 12, 2025

Brequet numerals are so lovely ! Thanks for your post 👍

QU
quattro
Jun 12, 2025

because of the less crowded dial. Best, Emmanuel

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