.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with raised gold hour markers in 1950 and its subsequent sale on 26 October 1953.
The reference 1518 offered here for sale is one of the best preserved examples of this iconic model in the rare and much sought-after pink gold case material to appear on the market in recent years. Consigned by the original owner and seldom if at all worn, the beauty of its full case is enhanced by the sharp and clean lines of the substantial lugs and the crisp hallmark to the side. The numerous years safely spent in a vault have preserved the charismatic dial in the best possible manner. Clearly untouched and as original as when it was purchased in 1953 by the father of the present owner as a birthday gift for him, the dial impresses by its elegant appearance with a perfect ivory-tone surface and crisp black hard enamel signature and calibrations, perfectly matching the exceptional case.
Spectacular watches are hard to come by - the scarce specimen appearing in public can but be enthusiastically greeted by any discerning collector.
Reference 1518
Reference 1518 was launched in 1941, and according to literature, only 281 examples were made until 1954, the majority cased in yellow gold. 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 139 and 427 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, in Armbanduhren - 100 Jahre Entwicklungsgeschichte by Kahlert, Mühe, Brunner, second edition p. 127, and in Time in Gold - Wristwatches by Gerald Viola & Gisbert L. Brunner, p. 140.
The reference 1518 offered here for sale is one of the best preserved examples of this iconic model in the rare and much sought-after pink gold case material to appear on the market in recent years. Consigned by the original owner and seldom if at all worn, the beauty of its full case is enhanced by the sharp and clean lines of the substantial lugs and the crisp hallmark to the side. The numerous years safely spent in a vault have preserved the charismatic dial in the best possible manner. Clearly untouched and as original as when it was purchased in 1953 by the father of the present owner as a birthday gift for him, the dial impresses by its elegant appearance with a perfect ivory-tone surface and crisp black hard enamel signature and calibrations, perfectly matching the exceptional case.
Spectacular watches are hard to come by - the scarce specimen appearing in public can but be enthusiastically greeted by any discerning collector.
Reference 1518
Reference 1518 was launched in 1941, and according to literature, only 281 examples were made until 1954, the majority cased in yellow gold. 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 139 and 427 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, in Armbanduhren - 100 Jahre Entwicklungsgeschichte by Kahlert, Mühe, Brunner, second edition p. 127, and in Time in Gold - Wristwatches by Gerald Viola & Gisbert L. Brunner, p. 140.