Patek Philippe Top Hat, Ref 1450 in Yellow Gold, Circa 1944

A Cartier signed Patek Philippe Ref 1450, ‘Top Hat’ circa 1946, is one of the most identifiable mid-century Patek watches with its double stepped hooded lugs that lend it the ‘top hat’ epithet. Shown here, an 18K yellow gold example, with the signature of Cartier, the polished and brushed case measuring 22mm x 37mm, with hooded lugs, and ‘bombé’ crystal. The matte silver dial features applied yellow gold baton and dot indexes, subsidiary seconds dial, and yellow gold baton hands.. A superbly stylized design from the world’s top maker retailed by Cartier.