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Celebrating the ugly duckling
I know that ref. 1450 is considered the ugly duckling, only of interest to die-hard collectors of vintage Patek Philippe watches.
And even they are not always very enthusiastic about the quirky design of the case, made by François Markowski.
A/ PLATINUM
1/ Salmon dial & bracelet
With a ref. 570:
credit: @alpina_b10_allrad
2/ Silver dial
Some call it "Top Hat", others, in Italian, "Cinesino", because it resembles both a top hat and the top of a Chinese pagoda.
The case measures 20,5 x 37 mm and the watch is powered by legendary manual-winding calibre 9-90.
I have mixed feelings about this reference, but I would probably find it hard to resist the first example below, with a salmon dial and platinum case and bracelet.
What about you?
Best, Emmanuel
1/ Salmon dial & bracelet
With a ref. 570:
credit: @alpina_b10_allrad
2/ Silver dial
credit: Onbehalf (John Nagayama)
3/ Silver dial & diamond indexes
credit: Christie's
1/ Silver dial
credit: Benjamin Marcello
2/ Tropical dial
credit: Sotheby's
C/ YELLOW GOLD
3/ Silver dial & diamond indexes
credit: Christie's
B/ PINK GOLD
credit: Benjamin Marcello
2/ Tropical dial
credit: Sotheby's
C/ YELLOW GOLD
1/ Aged dial & bracelet
credit: Sotheby's
2/ Silver dial
credit: Sotheby’s
credit: Sotheby's
2/ Silver dial
credit: Sotheby’s
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Celebrating the ugly duckling
I know that ref. 1450 is considered the ugly duckling , only of interest to die-hard collectors of vintage Patek Philippe watches. And even they are not always very enthusiastic about the quirky design of the case, made by François Markowski . Some call i...
I'm glad you have a positive feeling about this reference,
which is generally not very well-regarded. And I agree that the platinum version with the salmon dial is particularly appealing. Best, Emmanuel
Yeah. I'm not getting the ugly duckling part either.
I'm getting a sort of Cartier Chinoise vibe but maybe some think that design is ugly too. I'd take either!
I'm glad to read this.
In fact several examples of the 1450 have the double Patek-Cartier signature. Best, Emmanuel credit: Nicolas.Mauboussin ...
Wow. That's interesting...unfortunately any watch that says Cartier AND Patek on it is waaaay out of my league.
Thanks for posting that Emmanuel. I appreciate your knowledge, research and that you share that here with us. Greg
Thank you so much, Greg: it's a real pleasure to share about such timepieces.
Here are two other examples. The platinum sold for 31k USD, the yellow gold for 10k USD. credit: Sotheby’s ...
I'm really glad to see that the Top Hat gets some love here.
And I agree that the pt/diamond example looks gorgeous. Best, Emmanuel
The movements are amazing...
Shimmering, seductive, and shaped; thanks for the cool pics!
My pleasure! The 9-90 is a wonderful movement.
The only “missing” thing about it is to be able to see the winding action (crown and ratchet wheels and click).
Perfect design Maybe a touch small thus less demand
But I love the case and the movement J
Did you ever come across an example which you considered acquiring?
I would be very tempted by either a platinum/pink dial or a "pink on pink" like the one below (which I have already posted last July, as you know). Best, Emmanuel credit: @atc6263 ...
Hi Emmanuel, I find the hat 🎩 quite
unique and has an interesting look 👀! 👍 Must see it in the metal before passing final judgement 😉
I absolutely LOVE the Top Hat
And have even considered it at one point. I have a very big vrist and it’s not a great match but if I had a slimmer wrist I would get it. Especially on a vintage bracelet is it a super lovely and dandy piece. Thanks for an other lovely post my dear friend...
I’m so glad you like it too!
As I have a small wrist it could probably work for me, but I still have to see one in real life. Thank you, my dear Christian. Best, Emmanuel
I feel attracted to the platinum variant,
but you might be right: the rose gold/silver dial example might be even better suited to this particular case shape.
I’m really glad that you like it as much as I do!
Thank you so much and best wishes for this new year! Best, Emmanuel
It is not ugly at all… to my eyes at least
For me it belongs to classy designs like those from Gilbert Albert. Do you know who was the designer? It would be lovely to know. If I was looking for a rectangular elegant watch, I would gladly consider it! Image source: Hodinkee. Image source: Andrea Pa...
I’m really glad you like this reference too, René,
and thank you so much for adding these wonderful photos! I’ve read several times that the cases of ref. 1450 were made by Francois Markowski, but I’ve never seen mentioned the name of a specific designer, unfortunately. I guess the design was a collaborat...
You’re welcome my friend!
I’m so glad that I could add some pictures I had just found of a very interesting reference. It is not a coincidence! I will take a look at the links. These are the somehow obscure references that I love to investigate with so much pleasure. Thank you ver...
