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Lot Essay
It is difficult to find a Patek Philippe watch more representative of the elegance and technical perfection achieved by the firm in the 20th century than the reference 1518.
Patek Philippe itself regards the 1518 as one of the models that represent the true custodians of their heritage, indeed reference 1518, showcased here by this stunning pink gold timepiece is hard to beat as one of the all-time classics.
The present watch, with auspicious movement number 868’088, is an incredibly good looking timepiece with a stunning pink gold Patek Philippe period bracelet, a great rarity in itself.
It is also an example of what good restoration and refurbishment can achieve when carried out sympathetically. In the last 20 years it has undergone both a change of dial and a refinishing of the case. The ethos behind this is much the same as a ground-up rebuild of a classic car to be compliant with modern standards and returned to a condition suitable for regular use.
The incredibly beautiful and extremely rare Patek Philippe pink gold bracelet was also provided at this time to recreate the original appearance of the watch as stated on the Extract from the Archives where it is mentioned “rose gold bracelet”.
Collectors and aficionados of exceptional timepieces alike cannot but enthusiastically greet the public appearance of one of the ultra-rare pink gold examples of the landmark reference 1518. Considered by many to be the ultimate vintage complicated wristwatch, it is one of the paramount models in Patek Philippe’s 20th century production.
Refurbished to its former glory, the present watch will be included in the forthcoming “Blue Book 3” publication by Eric Tortella as an example of a good restoration outcome.
Reference 1518 was the earliest Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch serially produced and, in fact was the first perpetual chronograph wristwatch serially produced by any manufacturer, ever. In production from 1941 to 1954, the total output was only 281 pieces. It is known in yellow and pink gold, as well few examples in steel. The case design of the model underwent a subtle evolution over the years: the first examples featured the chronograph pushers to the center of the band and the date correctors closer to the upper edge. Later, the pushers are found closer to the lower edge of the band, and the correctors are moved slightly down as well. Transitional models between the first and second case design present a thicker case body and thinner band, while later the case body is less prominent in favour of a more important bezel.
The gold cases were made by Emile Vichet whose case maker’s number 9, inscribed in a key can be found punched on the inside of the case back. Pink gold cases are exceptionally rare: it is estimated that less than a quarter of the overall production was in pink gold.
The reference 1518 is illustrated in: Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, first edition p. 231 pl. 386, second edition p. 303 pl. 459 and in: Armbanduhren - 100 Jahre Entwicklungsgeschichte, Kahlert, Mühe, Brunner, second edition p. 127.
Patek Philippe itself regards the 1518 as one of the models that represent the true custodians of their heritage, indeed reference 1518, showcased here by this stunning pink gold timepiece is hard to beat as one of the all-time classics.
The present watch, with auspicious movement number 868’088, is an incredibly good looking timepiece with a stunning pink gold Patek Philippe period bracelet, a great rarity in itself.
It is also an example of what good restoration and refurbishment can achieve when carried out sympathetically. In the last 20 years it has undergone both a change of dial and a refinishing of the case. The ethos behind this is much the same as a ground-up rebuild of a classic car to be compliant with modern standards and returned to a condition suitable for regular use.
The incredibly beautiful and extremely rare Patek Philippe pink gold bracelet was also provided at this time to recreate the original appearance of the watch as stated on the Extract from the Archives where it is mentioned “rose gold bracelet”.
Collectors and aficionados of exceptional timepieces alike cannot but enthusiastically greet the public appearance of one of the ultra-rare pink gold examples of the landmark reference 1518. Considered by many to be the ultimate vintage complicated wristwatch, it is one of the paramount models in Patek Philippe’s 20th century production.
Refurbished to its former glory, the present watch will be included in the forthcoming “Blue Book 3” publication by Eric Tortella as an example of a good restoration outcome.
Reference 1518 was the earliest Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch serially produced and, in fact was the first perpetual chronograph wristwatch serially produced by any manufacturer, ever. In production from 1941 to 1954, the total output was only 281 pieces. It is known in yellow and pink gold, as well few examples in steel. The case design of the model underwent a subtle evolution over the years: the first examples featured the chronograph pushers to the center of the band and the date correctors closer to the upper edge. Later, the pushers are found closer to the lower edge of the band, and the correctors are moved slightly down as well. Transitional models between the first and second case design present a thicker case body and thinner band, while later the case body is less prominent in favour of a more important bezel.
The gold cases were made by Emile Vichet whose case maker’s number 9, inscribed in a key can be found punched on the inside of the case back. Pink gold cases are exceptionally rare: it is estimated that less than a quarter of the overall production was in pink gold.
The reference 1518 is illustrated in: Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, first edition p. 231 pl. 386, second edition p. 303 pl. 459 and in: Armbanduhren - 100 Jahre Entwicklungsgeschichte, Kahlert, Mühe, Brunner, second edition p. 127.