227
Patek Philippe
Ref. 591
"Fagiolino"
A rare and attractive pink gold chronograph wristwatch with pink dial and pulsation scale, retailed by Waser Wald
- Estimate
- CHF50,000 - 100,000€43,200 - 86,300$51,700 - 103,000
CHF100,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Patek Philippe
- Year
- 1939
- Reference No
- 591
- Movement No
- 862'240
- Case No
- 619'400
- Model Name
- "Fagiolino"
- Material
- 18K pink gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 13''', 23 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K pink gold Patek Philippe buckle stamped PPco
- Dimensions
- 34 mm. Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1939 and its subsequent sale on September 11, 1939.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The Patek Philippe chronograph reference 591 is one of the most elusive and rare chronographs made by the Geneva brand with an estimated total of 54 models in pink gold.
Produced from 1938 until the early 1950s the design of the reference 591 is a fine balance between decadence and simplicity with its superbly slim and elegant case and dramatic short down turned lugs. At the time of production, the model was entirely different from anything that the manufacture had ever produced. The case, produced by Wenger, featured "bean" shaped lugs, lovingly dubbed "Fagiolino", or "little bean" in Italian. It is incredible to think that such a striking and contemporary design dates back to nearly 80 years ago.
The superb pink dial with rare pulsation scale perfectly complements the pink gold case providing for a superb monochromatic result. The dial is furthermore signed Walser Wald, a prominent Patek Philippe retailer based in Buenos Aires which further explains the flamboyant personality of the present watch.
It is interesting to note that the present model has a unique dial in many aspects. It is the second known reference 591 with a pink dial and pulsations scale (the other having a 15 pulsations scale as opposed to the 30 pulsations here) and the only one known with the Walser Wald signature.
Scholars will also be interested to know that the inside caseback is stamped with an owl which is normally for watches imported into France. Whereas the latter were stamped with two owl heads the present model has only one. The reason being that all of Patek Philippe's timepieces destined for the South American market were shipped via ports in France and thus had to be stamped with French import marks, nevertheless since these watches were in transit and not for the local market the owl head was stamped only once and not twice.
The present lot in pink gold with pink dial, pulsation scale and Walser Wald signature is a rare bird amongst an already ultra-rare reference and a must have for the savvy collector knowing how to recognize a true gem when he sees one.
Produced from 1938 until the early 1950s the design of the reference 591 is a fine balance between decadence and simplicity with its superbly slim and elegant case and dramatic short down turned lugs. At the time of production, the model was entirely different from anything that the manufacture had ever produced. The case, produced by Wenger, featured "bean" shaped lugs, lovingly dubbed "Fagiolino", or "little bean" in Italian. It is incredible to think that such a striking and contemporary design dates back to nearly 80 years ago.
The superb pink dial with rare pulsation scale perfectly complements the pink gold case providing for a superb monochromatic result. The dial is furthermore signed Walser Wald, a prominent Patek Philippe retailer based in Buenos Aires which further explains the flamboyant personality of the present watch.
It is interesting to note that the present model has a unique dial in many aspects. It is the second known reference 591 with a pink dial and pulsations scale (the other having a 15 pulsations scale as opposed to the 30 pulsations here) and the only one known with the Walser Wald signature.
Scholars will also be interested to know that the inside caseback is stamped with an owl which is normally for watches imported into France. Whereas the latter were stamped with two owl heads the present model has only one. The reason being that all of Patek Philippe's timepieces destined for the South American market were shipped via ports in France and thus had to be stamped with French import marks, nevertheless since these watches were in transit and not for the local market the owl head was stamped only once and not twice.
The present lot in pink gold with pink dial, pulsation scale and Walser Wald signature is a rare bird amongst an already ultra-rare reference and a must have for the savvy collector knowing how to recognize a true gem when he sees one.
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.
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