The 1916 Company luxury watches and jewelry for sale
Shopping Bag
Hero Image

Pre-Owned Patek Philippe Salmon/Pink Dial Watches

A ref. 130 in stainless steel from 1941 is one of the earliest recorded examples of Patek Philippe pairing a 3N electroplated gold dial with a white metal case. That combination gave the salmon dial its collector mythology, and the tradition runs through perpetual calendars, chronographs, and dress watches: the ref. 1518, the 3940G-029, the 5270P-001, the 5172G-010, and the 5320G perpetual calendar, among others. Every pre-owned salmon and pink dial Patek Philippe available at The 1916 Company is authenticated and backed by our 2-year warranty.
2 Watches
2 Watches

Explore Popular Filters

Browse curated landing pages across our Pre-Owned Patek Philippe collection.

Dial Color
BlackBlueBrownBrown, GrayChampagneDiamondGrayGreenMother of PearlMulti-coloredSilver/White
Material
PlatinumRose GoldStainless SteelTwo-ToneWhite GoldYellow Gold

Pre-Owned Patek Philippe Salmon/Pink Dial Watches

Highlights

  • Rooted in a specific technique: true salmon dials are produced by electroplating 3N gold — a precise copper-alloy formulation that sits between rose and pink gold — onto a brass dial, a method Patek Philippe has employed since at least the 1940s.
  • The color appears across the most complicated references in the catalog, including the perpetual calendar chronograph 5270P-001, the perpetual calendar 3940G-029, the 5320G, and the chronograph 5172G-010 — not as a trend exercise, but as a continuation of a long production tradition.
  • Patek Philippe officially labels these dials 'rose-gilt opaline' rather than salmon, which means the same dial hue can carry different nomenclature across references — making condition, originality, and provenance especially important when evaluating a pre-owned example.
  • Collector appetite for salmon and pink dials spans vintage and modern: a 1948 ref. 1518 with a salmon dial sold for $9.6 million at Sotheby's in 2021, while modern references like the 5270P and 5172G-010 command sustained attention on the pre-owned market.

The salmon/pink dial appears across a wide range of Patek Philippe references. In vintage, the ref. 130 (stainless steel, 1940s) and the ref. 1518 perpetual calendar chronograph are foundational examples, with only 13 pink-dial ref. 1518s documented. In modern production, key references include the 5270P-001 (the first platinum perpetual calendar chronograph in the 5270 line and the first standard-production 5270 with a rose-gilt dial), the 5172G-010 (a white gold chronograph introduced in 2022), the 5320G-011 perpetual calendar, and the 3940G-029 (a Grand Exhibition special). The 6196P-001 Calatrava, introduced at Watches and Wonders 2025, is the most recent example. Each pre-owned example available at The 1916 Company is authenticated and warranted for two years.

The distinction is rooted in metallurgy. A true salmon dial is produced by electroplating 3N gold, a specific gold-copper alloy, onto a brass dial base. This places the resulting hue precisely between the paler 2N rose gold and the deeper 4N pink gold. Patek Philippe does not use the word 'salmon' in its official references; the brand labels these dials 'rose-gilt opaline' or 'opaline rose-gilt.' The term 'pink dial' is more loosely applied and can describe a broader range of pinkish hues, including dials on rose gold cases where the dial is matched to the case metal. When evaluating a pre-owned Patek Philippe with either description, dial originality and the specific reference history matter considerably.

Two factors drive pricing: scarcity and placement. Patek Philippe has historically used salmon and pink dials sparingly. In some cases, only a handful of examples exist for a given reference, as with the 13 known pink-dial ref. 1518 chronographs. When the color does appear, it tends to be on references that are already among Patek's most complicated and limited, such as the perpetual calendar chronographs in the 5270 line or Grand Exhibition specials like the 3940G-029. A 1948 ref. 1518 with a salmon dial sold for $9.6 million at Sotheby's in 2021, the highest price achieved at that auction house that year. The 1916 Company authenticates and warrants all pre-owned Patek Philippe watches for two years, regardless of reference or dial variant.

History of Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe was founded in 1839 in Geneva, Switzerland, by Antoine Norbert de Patek and Adrien Philippe. The brand is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to creating some of the world's most complex and prestigious watches. Patek Philippe watches are known for their refined designs and meticulous attention to detail. The brand has a rich history of innovation, developing numerous horological advancements and patents. Patek Philippe's watches are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs, often considered investment-grade timepieces. The brand's commitment to tradition and independence has solidified its position as a leader in fine watchmaking. Patek Philippe continues to produce timepieces that represent the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking artistry.

Pre-Owned Patek Philippe Watches at The 1916 Company

Patek Philippe represents the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking, revered for its uncompromising standards, mechanical innovation, and enduring design language. Our curated selection of pre-owned Patek Philippe watches offers collectors the opportunity to acquire exceptional timepieces across the brand's most celebrated collections, each chosen for its horological significance, condition, and long-term desirability.

Every pre-owned Patek Philippe watch we offer undergoes a rigorous, multi-step evaluation to ensure authenticity, originality, and mechanical integrity. Our specialists carefully assess each timepiece before it is offered for sale, giving clients complete confidence when purchasing on the secondary market. Learn more about our commitment to trust and transparency through our dedicated authentication process .

Iconic Patek Philippe Collections

Patek Philippe's collection architecture spans refined dress watches, technically complex calendar pieces, and modern sports icons. Whether your interests lean toward understated elegance or advanced complications, these core families define the brand's legacy:

  • Nautilus — The brand's most recognizable sports watch, defined by its porthole-inspired case and integrated bracelet.
  • Aquanaut — A contemporary, versatile design combining modern materials with Patek Philippe craftsmanship.
  • Calatrava — The purest expression of classic watchmaking, celebrated for its restrained elegance.
  • Complications — Annual calendars, moon phases, and travel functions showcasing mechanical ingenuity.
  • Grand Complications — Highly sophisticated timepieces representing the summit of horological achievement.

Comparing Popular Patek Philippe References

CollectionDesign CharacterPrimary AppealIdeal For
Nautilus Integrated sports designIconic case shape and braceletCollectors seeking modern prestige and strong demand
Aquanaut Contemporary sport-luxuryVersatility and modern wearabilityCollectors favoring understated sport design
Calatrava Classic dress watchTimeless proportions and refinementTraditionalists and formal collectors
Complications Technical eleganceFunctional complexity with balanced aestheticsCollectors exploring mechanical depth
Grand Complications High mechanical complexityExceptional craftsmanship and rarityAdvanced collectors and connoisseurs

Explore Similar Pre-Owned Watch Styles

Annual Calendar Watches

Explore pre-owned annual calendar watches featuring one of watchmaking's most practical high complications, automatically accounting for month length.

Blue Dial Watches

Explore pre-owned blue dial watches defined by rich color, visual depth, and versatile design that transitions seamlessly from formal to everyday wear.

Explore Holy Trinity Watches

Discover pre-owned watches from elite Swiss maisons — including Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin — in our pre-owned Holy Trinity watches collection.

Learn More About Patek Philippe Watchmaking

To better understand the technical language and craftsmanship behind Patek Philippe timepieces, we invite you to explore our educational resources. Our watch glossary explains key horological terms, while our editorial features provide deeper insight into the brand's legacy and most sought-after designs:

Pre-owned Patek Philippe watches offer access to iconic references, heritage design, and enduring craftsmanship — often at a value relative to retail while still delivering exceptional build quality and investment appeal.
Key collections include Nautilus for sport-luxury style, Aquanaut for modern sport elegance, Complications for technical functions, Grand Complications for haute horological mastery, and Calatrava for classic dress watches.
Buying from a trusted retailer like The 1916 Company ensures expert authentication, condition verification, and transparent evaluation before any pre-owned Patek Philippe watch is listed.
Many pre-owned Patek Philippe references retain or appreciate in value over time due to limited production, strong demand, and the brand’s heritage — though individual results vary based on model, condition, and market trends.
Nautilus and Aquanaut models offer versatile sport-luxury appeal that works for daily wear and elegant occasions, while Calatrava models provide refined dress watch elegance for formal settings.