PATEK PHILIPPE STEEL POCKET WATCH REF. 733

During WWII, precious metals were difficult to source and many watch companies including Patek Philippe turned to steel as an option to case their watches. This exceptional Patek Philippe pocket watch was made in 1944 and sent to America in early March 1945 to be retailed by no other than Tiffany & Co. Hand engraved on the balance cock is ‘PXP’ to show it was made for import into the USA. The dial features factory confirmed white gold Breguet numerals and the coveted Tiffany & Co. signature.

The steel case of this watch was made by the celebrated case maker Wenger especially for Patek Philippe. With refs. 733, it is interesting to note the reference number was not stamped on the inside case back until after 1946. This example made in 1944, features only the case number and company signature as well as the words ‘Acier Inoxydable’.

Less than forty of the refs. 733 are believed to have been made during its production run from 1941 to 1950 and only eight have ‘surfaced’ to date. This incredibly preserved Tiffany signed example is one of the finest condition steel watches known to exist from the era, and will be a cornerstone of any Patek Philippe pocket watch collection.

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