Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with raised hour markers in gold in 1951 and its subsequent sale on 24 May 1954. Furthermore delivered with an associated 18K gold woven bracelet with deployant clasp.
This reference 1518 is unquestionably one of the most attractive and best preserved examples of this iconic model to appear on the market in recent years. Purchased by the uncle of the present owners in 1951, it has remained in the same family ever since and reveals the full potential in size and beauty this reference can offer.
Evidently not worn since decades, the case is partially oxidised and coated with dust in places. It is full and retains its original case proportions to the best extent, most notably are the sharp and clean lignes of the substantial lugs with and the crisp hallmarks to the side and underneath the lug. The dial has taken an attractive ivory patina and has never been restored or cosmetically enhanced in any way. Specks of dust and oxidation to the numerals underline the fact that the watch has remained untouched for a longer lapse of time.
In fact, being of the very last generation of the 1518 family and sold at a time when its successor, reference 2499, was already on the market, the present watch is furthermore a lovely combination of the vintage 1940s look and the more advanced, modern design of the 1950s.
Fresh to the market, this watch represents a veritable trophy for the connoisseur of this legendary model.
Reference 1518 was launched in 1941 and according to literature, only 281 examples were made until 1954, the majority cased in yellow gold, few in pink gold (see lot 370 in this auction). It was furthermore the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch produced in series by any watch company. The model was later replaced by reference 2499 (see lots 159 and 249 in this auction), also a perpetual calendar chronograph, but with a wider diameter and fluted lugs.
Reference 1518 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, first edition p. 231 pl. 386, second edition p. 303 pl. 459, and in Armbanduhren - 100 Jahre Entwicklungsgeschichte by Kahlert, Mühe, Brunner, second edition p. 127.
This reference 1518 is unquestionably one of the most attractive and best preserved examples of this iconic model to appear on the market in recent years. Purchased by the uncle of the present owners in 1951, it has remained in the same family ever since and reveals the full potential in size and beauty this reference can offer.
Evidently not worn since decades, the case is partially oxidised and coated with dust in places. It is full and retains its original case proportions to the best extent, most notably are the sharp and clean lignes of the substantial lugs with and the crisp hallmarks to the side and underneath the lug. The dial has taken an attractive ivory patina and has never been restored or cosmetically enhanced in any way. Specks of dust and oxidation to the numerals underline the fact that the watch has remained untouched for a longer lapse of time.
In fact, being of the very last generation of the 1518 family and sold at a time when its successor, reference 2499, was already on the market, the present watch is furthermore a lovely combination of the vintage 1940s look and the more advanced, modern design of the 1950s.
Fresh to the market, this watch represents a veritable trophy for the connoisseur of this legendary model.
Reference 1518 was launched in 1941 and according to literature, only 281 examples were made until 1954, the majority cased in yellow gold, few in pink gold (see lot 370 in this auction). It was furthermore the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch produced in series by any watch company. The model was later replaced by reference 2499 (see lots 159 and 249 in this auction), also a perpetual calendar chronograph, but with a wider diameter and fluted lugs.
Reference 1518 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, first edition p. 231 pl. 386, second edition p. 303 pl. 459, and in Armbanduhren - 100 Jahre Entwicklungsgeschichte by Kahlert, Mühe, Brunner, second edition p. 127.