US import tariffs: Non-US origin lots in this sale (including watches and timepieces with Swiss-made or non-US made movements) will be subject to special tariffs upon import to the USA, currently ranging from 10% to 39% on the total invoice price (hammer price plus buyer’s premium). Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable tariffs, duties, taxes and charges when importing their purchased lots. Due to the evolving nature of international trade regulations, we recommend clients consult with their local customs office or advisor for up-to-date information on the applicable tariffs.
17Σ
Patek Philippe
Ref. 1544
"Muletto"
An incredibly rare and unusual stainless steel rectangular wristwatch
- Estimate
- CHF6,000 - 12,000€6,500 - 12,900$7,500 - 15,100
CHF53,340
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Patek Philippe
- Year
- 1950
- Reference No
- 1544
- Movement No
- 972'549
- Case No
- 508'378
- Model Name
- "Muletto"
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 9'''90, 18 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Patek Philippe alligator strap
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Patek Philippe pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 22mm Width, 29.5mm Length (38mm including lugs)
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement, strap and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives dated November 1990 confirming production of the present watch in 1950, its subsequent sale on January 21, 1951 and a case upgrade to the current number 508'378, Hasburg, Feldman Certificate of Authenticity dated April 9, 1898 (The Art of Patek Philippe sale) and service documents dated 1996/97.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Reference 1544 is one of the most rare and unusual - both in terms of design and also of intended usage - made by Patek Philippe. It was intended to be provided as “backup” to clients who would consign their watch for service. It would be then given back to Patek once the job was done. This stemmed its Italian nickname “Muletto”, borrowed from the automotive world (“muletto” means “forklift” in Italian, and it is used by racing teams as nickname of a back-up car - mockingly and hyperbolically implying it to be less performing, such as indeed a forklift). It is interesting to point out how Patek Philippe decided to still don an engraved/enameled dial even to this most utilitarian timepiece, highlighting their commitment to quality.
Such an unusual destination for the reference implies few examples ever left the company for good, making it one of the most uncommon wristwatches to find on the market. Only a handful of examples - possibly as few as 4 - are known from the market. The present piece was, for example, last seen at auction in April 1989, at the historical “The Art of Patek Philippe” sale celebrating the 150th anniversary of the company.
Such an unusual destination for the reference implies few examples ever left the company for good, making it one of the most uncommon wristwatches to find on the market. Only a handful of examples - possibly as few as 4 - are known from the market. The present piece was, for example, last seen at auction in April 1989, at the historical “The Art of Patek Philippe” sale celebrating the 150th anniversary of the company.
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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