Patek Philippe Ref. 521 'Staybrite' Stainless Steel Art Deco Wristwatch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1937
Maker / issuer
Patek PhilippeThis Art Deco rectangular wristwatch, reference 521, was manufactured by Patek Philippe in 1937 according to the auction house. Housed in a stainless steel 'Staybrite' case measuring 23 mm wide and 40 mm in overall length, the watch features stepped case flanks attributed to Geneva case maker Wenger.
The two-tone silvered dial displays applied steel Art Deco numerals, an outer railway minute track, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. The source documents it as powered by a manual-wind caliber 9'''90 movement numbered 831'717, fitted in case number 615'482.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Hand-wound wristwatch
- Caliber
- 9'''90
- Reference
- 521
- Case Maker
- Wenger
- Case Number
- 615'482
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Case Dimensions
- 23 mm wide, 40 mm overall length
- Movement Number
- 831'717
- Manufacture Date
- 1937
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe
Design
- Dial Composition
- The timepiece features a two-tone silvered rectangular dial with applied steel numerals. Subsidiary seconds are indicated at the 6 o'clock position. Records indicate the dial was previously cleaned and refinished. The varnish coating has deteriorated, resulting in a patchy appearance, though the numerals and hard enamel features appear original.
- Visible features
- • Rectangular stainless steel case with stepped, fluted lateral case sides. • Two-tone silvered rectangular dial with applied metallic numerals (12, 3, 9) and baton indices. • Subsidiary seconds dial located at the 6 o'clock position. • Brown exotic leather strap fitted to the watch with visible grain patterns.
- Case Construction
- This reference 521 wristwatch features a stainless steel 'Staybrite' case, measuring 23 mm in width and 40 mm in overall length. The case design incorporates stepped lateral sides and was produced by the Geneva case maker Wenger. The case has undergone historical repolishing and exhibits surface scratching commensurate with its age. The inside of the upper case is punched with the last two digits of the case number, '82'.
- Mechanical Specifications
- The watch is powered by a manual-wind caliber 9'''90 movement, identified by number 831'717. The movement was reported to be in working order at the time of cataloging. No independent accuracy testing was performed. Due to the age of the timepiece, professional servicing is recommended.
Identification
- Reference
- 521
- Serial number
- 831'717
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The case back and internal movement caliber 9'''90 are not shown in the provided photograph.
- Research required: Source notes the dial was cleaned and refinished in the past, with deteriorated varnish causing a patchy look, and the case was previously repolished.
- Research required: The display strap shown in the photo was not included in the sale and was replaced upon transfer.