Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1950 Reference No: 1589 Movement No: 966'270 Case No: 302'848 Material: Platinum and diamonds Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-120, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed. Accessories: With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with diamond-set dial in 1950 and its subsequent sale on October 30th, 1950.
Catalogue Essay
The present wristwatch is a remarkable find, being the first known platinum example of a reference 1589 to ever appear on the market. Patek Philippe introduced the reference 1589 in 1944 when gentlemen’s dress watches were typically manufactured with a 32-34mm diameter cases. The reference featured an Antoine Gerlach-fabricated oversized case measuring 36mm in diameter, however it had an even bigger look and feel thanks to its extended attached lugs. Production was limited to approximately eight years and made in two series, the first with the caliber 12-120 such as the present watch, followed by the caliber 12-400. The Stern Frères dials were typically silvered or pink with Roman or square hour markers and outer pearled minute dots, making this diamond-set dial extremely rare.
Research indicates Patek Philippe made the majority in either yellow or pink gold, with approximately 43 known examples to the market, and the present timepiece the first known in platinum. In exceptionally well-preserved condition, this watch will delight all watch enthusiasts. The platinum case and diamond-set hour markers have an elegant and luxurious appeal. The large size case was avant-garde for the mid-20th century, but today feels contemporary and modern. It is a wristwatch with a cool aesthetic that perfectly matches an evening out, or a casual weekend in the country. Today, diamond-set watches are often over the top, and it is a pleasure to find a vintage, watch tastefully set with diamonds that is understated watch and perfectly suited to the 21st century. This a very rare opportunity for collectors obtain a possibly unique watch whose rarity is matched by its exceptional condition.
Since 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.