Betty and Don Draper form Mad Men, Patek Philippe

The best of 1966. The Mad Men are back!

And who would think that so many of us would watch a plotless American TV show with such passion! Like it or not, there is something nostalgic about the 1950s/60s where men were mad and ladies so painfully fashionable.

The series is an absolute feast for the eyes. The colours, decor, costumes, fashion and over and above all: the charming elegance.

You may not believe this, but today, on my way to work, I saw a man wearing a grey Don Draper suit, spotless white shirt, shiny Oxford shoes and - wait for it - a hat!

Now, you may say: well, this look is never going to work in Sydney. And you are quite right, because Don Draper does not text or sms or play silly games on his ipad on public transport like you do. DD is not a sterile, politically correct misogynist-metrosexual. Don was simply a product of a context, a part of it's fabric - not an imitation.

And this is the reason why the look cannot work: we cannot bring the context of the 60s into 2013.

But there is, however, one detail which does not need a context to turn you into a cool and elegant man. An item so contextless which like a black hole bends the time around itself: a vintage watch!

Watercolour by TanyaH.

Don Draper-worthy: 1959 Patek Philippe [Mad Men]

1959. Patek Philippe, fresh form the work bench.

While I was doing the overhaul, Tanya had fun with watercolours.

Ref 2515 is a very typical example of a mid to late 1950s Patek watches. It is fitted with iconic movement Cal. 12-400 which was in use from 1950 to 1962. Patek produced a total of 10,000 Cal 12-400 movements which means that less than 1000 pieces were manufactured each year. Some reference numbers like 2515 with short lugs are now rarely seen on the market.

Each bridge is stamped with the last 3 digits of the movement number which takes us back to the days of hand finished movements. This touch of individuality is not something you will find in a new Patek!

In addition, the bezel is also stamped with the 3 last digits of the case number.

The complete overhaul was really a straight forward job. In its 54 years, this is only the third time it has been overhauled. Nevertheless, the pivots and jewels are still finely polished due to the fact the watch was used only on special occasions.

The original ivory colour dial is nicely aged and gives the watch a warmth and unmistakably vintage look.