Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1944 Reference No: 1518 Movement No: 863'522 Case No: 637'178 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13-130 Q, 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle stamped PPCo Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1944 with silvered dial, raised gold hour markers and tachometer scale and its subsequent sale on July 28, 1945. Furthermore accompanied by presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
Appearing on the auction market for the very first time, this timepiece wonderfully exemplifies the characteristics of the iconic reference 1518. Preserved in excellent and remarkable condition, it is an early first series example. Most notably, this dial is stamped with a long signature displaying "Patek, Philippe & Co". The dial is preserved in impressive condition as it has gracefully aged over time. Reference 1518 dials are notorious for tarnishing heavily due to the model's snap-on bezel and caseback, which allowed moisture to seep through. However, this particular dial has aged to a warm ivory tone and has incredible charisma. The enamel signature remains thick and defined, with the accent above the "e" in "Genève" strong and present, as is the comma between "Patek" and "Philippe". The hard enamel graphics on the dial remain preserved and raised wonderfully.
Boasting two hallmarks, the case retains its original proportions. While one hallmark is stamped under the lug, another is still visible on the side of the case. It even retains its vintage Patek Philippe buckle stamped "PPCo".
A historically important model, reference 1518 was the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch ever produced in series when it was introduced in 1941. According to research, only 281 examples were manufactured until the reference ceased production in 1954. It paved the way for successors references 2499, 3970, 5970 and finally, 5270, which features an in-house movement.
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.