







1940s Patek Philippe Tegolino - Early Long Signature (Ref. 425)
- Worth A Read
- Specifications
- Condition
History & Significance
The Ref. 425 “Tegolino” is regarded as one of Patek Philippe’s most iconic rectangular watches. Its Italian nickname translates to “little tile,” referencing its slim, elongated, and architectural form. This case design, crafted by the renowned Genevan case maker Markowski, is celebrated for its sculptural lines and symmetry.
The dials of this reference were produced by Stern Frères, and in the finest tradition of early Patek Philippe, feature hand-applied raised enamel signatures. This finishing technique gave the lettering and minute tracks a unique texture, distinguishable even today as a marker of originality. Inside, the manually wound caliber 9-90 provided precise timekeeping in a compact, elegant form, making it one of Patek’s most admired early rectangular calibers.
Often given as gifts, many examples of the Ref. 425 were engraved on the caseback with initials or dedications, further cementing their role as timepieces of both horological and personal importance.
Writer’s Thoughts
The charm of the Tegolino Ref. 425 lies in its details. The subtle curvature of the dial creates a two-tone effect, while the raised enamel signature is a tactile reminder of Stern Frères’ craftsmanship. This example shows honest signs of wear but retains its character and originality, from the sharp hallmarks on the case to the distinctive long signature with its charming hand-applied enamel finish. It is both a design object and a slice of Patek Philippe’s history.
Our Promise
Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. This Patek Philippe Ref. 425 is offered in honest condition, representing one of the most iconic rectangular watches of the mid-20th century.
Brand: Patek Philippe
Model: Tegolino Ref. 425
Year: 1940s
Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold
Case Size: 20 by 42mm
Bezel: This case design does not feature a bezel
Dial: Slightly curved dial giving a subtle two-tone effect; raised enamel signature and minute track by Stern Frères, showcasing the hand-applied technique of the era
Crystal: Acrylic crystal with roof slant effect
Movement: Manual wind, caliber 9-90
Strap: New black lizard strap
Buckle: Generic gold-tone buckle
Contents: Watch only
Case: The top of the case shows light polishing, while the case sides retain sharp hallmarks; caseback features a hand-engraving with initials, typical of many Ref. 425s gifted during this period.
Crystal: Excellent condition, free of chips or cracks.
Dial: Original dial with light wear, primarily around the sub-seconds register; long raised enamel signature intact with correct early details, including the cut “&” and hand-applied imperfections visible only under magnification.
Hands: Original yellow gold hands in near-perfect condition with minimal wear.
Strap: New black lizard strap in like-new condition.
Buckle: Generic gold-tone buckle in like-new condition.
1940s Patek Philippe Tegolino - Early Long Signature (Ref. 425)
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- Worth A Read
- Specifications
- Condition
History & Significance
The Ref. 425 “Tegolino” is regarded as one of Patek Philippe’s most iconic rectangular watches. Its Italian nickname translates to “little tile,” referencing its slim, elongated, and architectural form. This case design, crafted by the renowned Genevan case maker Markowski, is celebrated for its sculptural lines and symmetry.
The dials of this reference were produced by Stern Frères, and in the finest tradition of early Patek Philippe, feature hand-applied raised enamel signatures. This finishing technique gave the lettering and minute tracks a unique texture, distinguishable even today as a marker of originality. Inside, the manually wound caliber 9-90 provided precise timekeeping in a compact, elegant form, making it one of Patek’s most admired early rectangular calibers.
Often given as gifts, many examples of the Ref. 425 were engraved on the caseback with initials or dedications, further cementing their role as timepieces of both horological and personal importance.
Writer’s Thoughts
The charm of the Tegolino Ref. 425 lies in its details. The subtle curvature of the dial creates a two-tone effect, while the raised enamel signature is a tactile reminder of Stern Frères’ craftsmanship. This example shows honest signs of wear but retains its character and originality, from the sharp hallmarks on the case to the distinctive long signature with its charming hand-applied enamel finish. It is both a design object and a slice of Patek Philippe’s history.
Our Promise
Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. This Patek Philippe Ref. 425 is offered in honest condition, representing one of the most iconic rectangular watches of the mid-20th century.
Brand: Patek Philippe
Model: Tegolino Ref. 425
Year: 1940s
Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold
Case Size: 20 by 42mm
Bezel: This case design does not feature a bezel
Dial: Slightly curved dial giving a subtle two-tone effect; raised enamel signature and minute track by Stern Frères, showcasing the hand-applied technique of the era
Crystal: Acrylic crystal with roof slant effect
Movement: Manual wind, caliber 9-90
Strap: New black lizard strap
Buckle: Generic gold-tone buckle
Contents: Watch only
Case: The top of the case shows light polishing, while the case sides retain sharp hallmarks; caseback features a hand-engraving with initials, typical of many Ref. 425s gifted during this period.
Crystal: Excellent condition, free of chips or cracks.
Dial: Original dial with light wear, primarily around the sub-seconds register; long raised enamel signature intact with correct early details, including the cut “&” and hand-applied imperfections visible only under magnification.
Hands: Original yellow gold hands in near-perfect condition with minimal wear.
Strap: New black lizard strap in like-new condition.
Buckle: Generic gold-tone buckle in like-new condition.