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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present stainless steel and 18K yellow gold watch with silvered dial, raised hour markers in gold and tachometer scale in 1943 and its subsequent sale on 20 September 1944.
Reference 1579 is one of Patek Philippe's landmark chronograph models thanks to its distinctive size and shape, characterized by a masculine diameter of 36 mm and the beautifully facetted "spider-leg" lugs. Collectors around the world appreciate the variety of dial versions and case metals used for this model, examples in yellow gold and pink gold are regular and most welcomed protagonists at international auctions. Few aficionados however are aware that Patek Philippe also made other case versions of this reference, notably in stainless steel and, in three examples only, in platinum. The latter two are of such rarity that their arrival on the market is a press-worthy event.
The rarest variant however is the stainless steel and gold version, named reference 1579/1, which was not known to exist outside an extremely small circle of scholars until the publishing of John Goldberger's "bible" dedicated to stainless steel Patek Philippe watches, Patek Philippe Steel Watches , in 2010. On pages 264 to 267, Goldberger describes and illustrates the only two known examples of reference 1579/1, each with different dial design and varying characteristics. None of these two watches have ever been offered for sale in public before nor mentioned in literature.
These two watches are believed to have been made at the same time, 1943, and sold both on 20 September 1944 to the distinguished retailer E. Gübelin in Switzerland. Interestingly, their case numbers are only separated by one digit (635'158 and 635'160 respectively). It is very likely that the case number inbetween, 635'159, is also a reference 1579/1 in stainless steel and gold, however its whereabouts are unknown, yet even the fact if it has survived at all.
Given the excessively high level of rarity and exclusivity of this model it must be considered a significant opportunity for the international community of watch collectors that, for the first time ever, a stainless steel and gold reference 1579/1 is offered for sale at auction.
Very much to the spoilt eye's delight, the present 1579/1 is blessed with a lovely champagne-coloured dial, perfectly harmonizing with the two-tone case. The signature, hour markers and scales are finished in black enamel and are raised to an extent that any cosmetical enhancement can be excluded. The case, quasi allergic to insensible polishing, has maintained its sharp facets and angles to the lugs, way above ones expectations. The charming, if not frivolous stainless steel and gold bracelet is from the period but has been a costly addition by the current owner and was not originally delivered with the watch.
By all means few vintage collectors' watches are of such rarity, quality and visual appeal as this reference 1579/1. It would not only be a superb addition to any important collection of vintage Patek Philippe chronographs and take immediately a prominent role within this context, but also no collector of this landmark reference can ever claim his collection to be complete without a specimen with a two-tone case.
Reference 1579 is one of Patek Philippe's landmark chronograph models thanks to its distinctive size and shape, characterized by a masculine diameter of 36 mm and the beautifully facetted "spider-leg" lugs. Collectors around the world appreciate the variety of dial versions and case metals used for this model, examples in yellow gold and pink gold are regular and most welcomed protagonists at international auctions. Few aficionados however are aware that Patek Philippe also made other case versions of this reference, notably in stainless steel and, in three examples only, in platinum. The latter two are of such rarity that their arrival on the market is a press-worthy event.
The rarest variant however is the stainless steel and gold version, named reference 1579/1, which was not known to exist outside an extremely small circle of scholars until the publishing of John Goldberger's "bible" dedicated to stainless steel Patek Philippe watches, Patek Philippe Steel Watches , in 2010. On pages 264 to 267, Goldberger describes and illustrates the only two known examples of reference 1579/1, each with different dial design and varying characteristics. None of these two watches have ever been offered for sale in public before nor mentioned in literature.
These two watches are believed to have been made at the same time, 1943, and sold both on 20 September 1944 to the distinguished retailer E. Gübelin in Switzerland. Interestingly, their case numbers are only separated by one digit (635'158 and 635'160 respectively). It is very likely that the case number inbetween, 635'159, is also a reference 1579/1 in stainless steel and gold, however its whereabouts are unknown, yet even the fact if it has survived at all.
Given the excessively high level of rarity and exclusivity of this model it must be considered a significant opportunity for the international community of watch collectors that, for the first time ever, a stainless steel and gold reference 1579/1 is offered for sale at auction.
Very much to the spoilt eye's delight, the present 1579/1 is blessed with a lovely champagne-coloured dial, perfectly harmonizing with the two-tone case. The signature, hour markers and scales are finished in black enamel and are raised to an extent that any cosmetical enhancement can be excluded. The case, quasi allergic to insensible polishing, has maintained its sharp facets and angles to the lugs, way above ones expectations. The charming, if not frivolous stainless steel and gold bracelet is from the period but has been a costly addition by the current owner and was not originally delivered with the watch.
By all means few vintage collectors' watches are of such rarity, quality and visual appeal as this reference 1579/1. It would not only be a superb addition to any important collection of vintage Patek Philippe chronographs and take immediately a prominent role within this context, but also no collector of this landmark reference can ever claim his collection to be complete without a specimen with a two-tone case.