Patek Philippe Rectangular French Case from 1939
We are delighted to present this rare and exceptional Patek Philippe Rectangular Calibre 9'90, crafted in circa 1939. This remarkable timepiece is housed in an elegant French rose gold case, notable for its distinctive French hallmarks—a unique hallmark of Patek Philippe's adaptation to French import tax strategies of the era. The case bears no visible brand signature, a feature reflecting the historical approach to circumvent taxes on precious metals like gold (more on this subject bellow).
In addition to its rich history, this watch features the exquisitely crafted calibre 9’90, a true masterpiece from Patek Philippe’s golden era of the 1930s. The elegant rectangular case, made from the rarer rose gold, adds a refined presence and timeless sophistication to the piece, embodying both luxury and legacy.
This is more than a watch; it is a piece of heritage, reflecting Patek Philippe’s craftsmanship and the clever adaptation of Swiss ingenuity in the face of historical constraints (TAX and Customs).
We will leave you with a little read:
"In the 1940s, Patek Philippe crafted a unique solution to avoid steep French taxes on imported gold: they shipped only their movements from Switzerland to France, where the cases were then crafted locally. This approach allowed Patek Philippe to maintain the quality of their Swiss movements while encasing them in French-made gold cases, each marked with a distinct French hallmark instead of the usual Swiss markings.
These watches are particularly rare because many of them were left unsigned, lending an understated, almost secretive elegance to the design. This unique combination of Swiss precision and French craftsmanship made each piece a testament to ingenuity and adaptation. Today, collectors value these rare Patek Philippe watches not only for their exceptional quality but for the story they tell—a story of two renowned traditions, seamlessly joined to create a remarkable timepiece. Owning one of these watches means possessing a piece of history, blending the legendary artistry of Patek Philippe with the charm and exclusivity of French-made gold cases."
Reference : Unknown
Year: 1939
Calibre : Patek Philippe 9'90
Case : 21x43mm French 18k Rosé Gold
