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Lot Essay
Launched in 1938, the reference 591 is one of the least known chronographs of Patek Philippe's production and was manufactured with the aim of offering a timepiece with a shape and size differing from the reference 130 and 533.
The design of the Reference 591 is quite groundbreaking for early Patek Philippe chronographs. Note how the lug side profiles imitate the shape of the chronograph pushers, underlining the nicknamed ‘bean’ aesthetic or ‘fagiolino’ in Italian. The cases were made for Patek Philippe by no other than Wenger, the same prominent Geneva case maker that later made the 1579 and early examples of the 2497 and 2499 among many other important references. With a total production estimated to only 100 examples in yellow and pink gold and only less than 30 thought to survive, this timepiece is considered rarer than any other chronograph model of the period.
Due to its unusual lug design, it is wonderful to be able to see it here with its full and intended proportions. The rectangular lugs are in seemingly unpolished condition with a crisp hallmark to the case side. This presents an opportunity for the discerning collector to purchase an extremely rare and understated vintage Patek Philippe from the first two years of this reference production.
Reference 591 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber and Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 266, pl. 411.
The design of the Reference 591 is quite groundbreaking for early Patek Philippe chronographs. Note how the lug side profiles imitate the shape of the chronograph pushers, underlining the nicknamed ‘bean’ aesthetic or ‘fagiolino’ in Italian. The cases were made for Patek Philippe by no other than Wenger, the same prominent Geneva case maker that later made the 1579 and early examples of the 2497 and 2499 among many other important references. With a total production estimated to only 100 examples in yellow and pink gold and only less than 30 thought to survive, this timepiece is considered rarer than any other chronograph model of the period.
Due to its unusual lug design, it is wonderful to be able to see it here with its full and intended proportions. The rectangular lugs are in seemingly unpolished condition with a crisp hallmark to the case side. This presents an opportunity for the discerning collector to purchase an extremely rare and understated vintage Patek Philippe from the first two years of this reference production.
Reference 591 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber and Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 266, pl. 411.