Exceptional Vintage Patek Philippe Wristwatch, Retailed by Gübelin

This exceptional vintage Patek Philippe wristwatch, retailed by Gübelin, represents the finest mid-century Swiss craftsmanship paired with documented Hollywood-era provenance. The 18K yellow-gold case houses a beautifully balanced silvered dial featuring applied gold indices, dauphine hands, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o’clock. Beneath the caseback lies Patek Philippe’s celebrated manual-wind movement, finely finished and bearing clear manufacture engravings.
What elevates this example beyond its horological merits is the original 1953 presentation engraving:
“Nate Sapiro – In Appreciation on his 25th Anniversary with Max Factor – 1953.”
During the 1940s–1960s, Max Factor & Co. was known for honoring distinguished long-serving employees with remarkable gifts—often fine Swiss watches from the world’s most prestigious maisons. These watches were not mass-ordered corporate pieces; they were individually selected luxury items reflecting the company’s reputation for glamour and excellence within the Hollywood studio system. Surviving examples are scarce, and each offers a tangible connection to the golden age of American cosmetics, cinema, and Los Angeles cultural history. This inscription places the watch directly into that lineage, giving it both narrative and collectible significance.
The dial’s rare Gübelin co-signature further enhances its desirability, linking two of Switzerland’s most respected names in high watchmaking. Inside the caseback, crisp hallmarks and matching serial numbers confirm the originality of the case. The movement remains clean, well-preserved, and exemplary of Patek Philippe’s hallmark Geneva-style finishing.
Paired with a textured black strap, this timepiece is a refined blend of understated elegance, Swiss precision, and Hollywood provenance. For collectors seeking a Patek Philippe with confirmed history and an uncommon co-signed dial, this watch offers a uniquely compelling opportunity.

About Items from the Vault:
These exceptional timepieces come from the owner’s private collection and have been securely stored in a safety deposit box in Beverly Hills, California, for over 30 years. Once a sale is finalized, each watch will undergo a complete overhaul and professional servicing, after which it will be accompanied by a 12-month warranty—just as if it were a brand-new timepiece.
Please allow approximately two weeks after purchase for our expert watchmakers in Los Angeles to complete the servicing process. Upon receiving your watch, if for any reason you are not completely satisfied, we will gladly issue a full refund. Our master watchmakers are highly qualified and take great pride in restoring each piece to its original excellence.