Walser Wald Dial 591 Patek Philippe Chronograph, Pink Gold

It doesn’t appear this way, but this ref. 591 predates WWII. By one year. While the rest of the world was on fire, Switzerland was busy making this. Nonetheless, it’s entirely timeless and rather special in more than one way. First, it’s pink on pink, the ultimate. Second, its pulsations scale dial. Third, it’s signed by Argentinian retailer Walser Wald, a prominent Patek Philippe retailer circa mid-century Buenos Aires. In the 591, there are 19 examples known in yellow gold and 27 in pink, none in steel. There is one dial known in this configuration, and this is it.

591 production spanned the war, introduced in 1938 and concluding in 1947. 100 examples were made in total, 40 in yellow and 60 in pink. We see about half of those known and surviving now. It is known as the ‘Fagiolino’, or small bean, for the shape of its lugs and pushers which were a first of their kind. The shaped case was made by Wenger, of 2499 fame. Interestingly, all South American Patek was exported via France and bear French import hallmarks, which were an Owl. But where watches destined for France bear dual owl heads, watches transiting through France bear singular owl heads, such as this example. The calibre is a 13-130, a Valjoux 23 ébauche. This was the very start of Valjoux chronographs, a 13 line column-wheel chronograph that was really the heart of Swiss chronographs for decades. Look for 9 column wheel teeth to identify them quickly. And the feuille hands, I mean come on.

Despite its effective piece unique status, the Argentinian 591 is mostly a standout on condition. The pink dial here its long signature with the comma, accent, and stamp perfectly preserved in engraved enamel. Is it perfect? No. Is it pretty close for a 1939 production? As good as it gets. Granted, this is on images alone but the font widths are consistent and even while not a portion of the scales are light from washing. Plus, the patina close up is mega. This example first surfaced in 2017 at Phillips where it hammered at 112K USD. In 2021, it came to Phillips again, this time achieving 201K. It’s now back, offered privately just over that mark. This is probably the greatest and most famed 591 in the world.

This example is a standout. I really can’t comment on the case condition without seeing it in the metal, but it doesn’t look to be anything other than great. The dial is mega, light patina with nothing over-cleaned or sanded. The indices have a lovely light touch of oxidation as well. It appears today to be in the exact same condition that it auctioned in a few years back. It comes from a well-regarded Californian retailer.