Popularized by Ginger Roger and Fred Astaire in their award-winning musical of the same name, the phrase came to stand for the glittering elegance associated with 1930's and 40's American high society. Patek Philippe embraced this idea by offering an exclusive Top Hat model as part of their other gentlemen's wristwatch selections.
With its understated silver face and iconic "Top Hat" case, it showcases a classic and ultra-elegant Patek style.
It is unusually thick and heavy for a watch of this size.
It is powered by one of Patek Philippe's illustrious 9'90 movements, so well designed that Patek used it for more than 40 years. The 9'90 Patek Philippe movement is a tonneau shaped movement introduced in 1934 and was fitted into many famous Patek Philippe watches in addition to their iconic "Top Hat" such as the "Banana" (ref. 2442), the "Eiffel Tower " (ref. 2441), and the "Pagoda" (ref. 1588), which we also happen to have in stock right now as of this writing.
It has fully Patek parts down to all hands and the winding crown.
NOTE: Since the photos were taken a correct slightly domed mineral glass crystal has been installed. The new crystal is shown in the photos of the watch on the wrist.
Its case is in excellent condition. Its dial has been restored by the leading dial expert in North America. It presents beautifully on the wrist.
One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center and also has done authorized work for the Richemont brands including Cartier, Vacheron & Constantin, IWC, JLC and others, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, installing a new mainspring and correct original Patek center wheel, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $995 value). It is running very strong and true.
For the finishing touch also accompanying the watch is a second brand new crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a timing certificate.
Please inquire if you would like us to obtain an Extract from the Patek Philippe archives for you. Patek now charges 500CHF (approx. $550 USD) to provide one.
- Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
- Country of origin: Switzerland
- Serial no.: 974,844
- Year built: c. 1940's
- Model: Ref. 1450
- Functions: Hours, Minutes and Sub Seconds
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: 18K gold
- Case markings (inside): Patek Philippe & Co, Geneve, Swiss, 18K, 1450, 673,393
- Case markings (outside): 18K, hallmarked with precious metal hallmark
- Case condition: Excellent
- Dimensions: 25mm wide at its widest point by 38mm long lug tip-to-tip
- Dial: Silver with gold baton and half-spherical applied indexes, signed Patek Philippe and Geneve, restored by one of the leading dial restorers in the North America
- Crystal: Mineral glass, new-old-stock, NOTE: Since the photos were taken a correct slightly domed mineral glass crystal has been installed. The new crystal is shown in the photos of the watch on the wrist.
- Hands: Original, gold "batons"
- Movement type: Extremely high grade, Patek Philippe Cal. 9-90, tonneau-shaped, rhodium plated, fausses cotes decoration, 18 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring, micrometer regulator, adjusted for positions, temperature, and isochronism (amount of wind left in the mainspring)
- Jewels: 18 rubies
- Band: Crocodile, padded, lightly worn with unsigned gold tone buckle. We also stock lizard and a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
- Width between lugs: 17mm
- Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center and also has done authorized work for the Richemont brands including Cartier, Vacheron & Constantin, IWC, JLC and others, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, installing a new mainspring and correct original Patek center wheel, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $995 value).
- Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running very strong and true. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts.
- Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
