AN ART DECO ICON OF MID-CENTURY WATCHMAKING
Introduced in 1940, the Patek Philippe reference 1450, affectionately known as the “Top Hat,” stands among the manufacture’s most distinctive mid-century creations. Inspired by the architectural geometry of the Art Deco movement, its elongated rectangular case, dramatic hooded lugs, and gently curved profile departed from conventional wristwatch design. The silhouette earned its enduring nickname from collectors, while Italian enthusiasts came to know the model as the “Cinesino,” a reference to its resemblance to traditional pagoda architecture.
The Top Hat emerged during a remarkable period of collaboration between Patek Philippe and Geneva’s finest specialist craftsmen. Its sculptural cases were produced by the distinguished casemaker Markowski, while dials were supplied by Stern Frères. The reference was traditionally fitted with Patek Philippe’s celebrated manually wound caliber 9-90, a movement developed for elegant shaped wristwatches.
HISTORICAL & COLLECTIBLE SIGNIFICANCE
Produced from 1940 into the early 1960s, the reference 1450 has become a recognized collector’s model for its unusual architecture and its place in the evolution of twentieth-century watch design. Its appeal lies in the interplay of Art Deco influence, specialist case craftsmanship, and Patek Philippe’s mechanical tradition. Dating to 1948, this yellow gold example captures the design during its early years of production and is accompanied by its original papers.
WATCH DETAILS
Brand: Patek Philippe
Model: Top Hat
Reference: 1450
Year: 1948
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Case Shape: Curved Rectangular with Hooded Lugs
Case Dimensions: 25 × 35 mm
Movement: Mechanical, Manual Winding
Original Papers: Included
