Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1946 Reference No: 1579 Movement No: 867'005 Case No: 645'566 Model Name: "Spider Lugs", "Anse a Ragno" Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 13'', 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1946 and its subsequent sale on September 28th, 1948
Catalogue Essay
Rare is a word that doesn’t even start to describe this incredibly attractive and well preserved reference 1579 cased in the noblest of metals: platinum.
In fact, no other vintage Patek Philippe chronograph in platinum is known other than 3 reference 1579 which highlights the sheer importance of the present watch. It is unknown why Patek Philippe decided to use platinum for this reference and only for three watches but it is interesting to note that the three watches have consecutive serial numbers and different dials, making each piece unique.
- case no. 645'564 features a black tachymeter scale calibrated in miles - case no. 645'565 features a black tachymeter scale calibrated in KM - case no. 645'566, the present watch, featuring a scale and seconds markers in blue
Platinum is certainly noble and rare but the prohibitive cost of platinum can explain the fact that the watch remained unsold for close to two years following its completion.
Introduced in 1943, Patek Philippe reference 1579 definitely exults a seductive allure that remains till today sophisticated with an elegant appeal. Due to its fanciful lugs in the shape of briolette diamonds, the reference is often referred to as the “Spider Lugs" chronograph. This unusual feature propels this watch to one of the most impressive case designs of the 1950s.
Due to the shape of the lugs, this model responds particularly badly to polishing, as even the lightest intervention dulls its sharp angles. The dial is also preserved in excellent condition with perfectly preserved hard enamel script and scales in blue giving the watch an incredible vivid modernist appeal.
The present example, in utterly spectacular condition thus presents the only possibility to acquire one of the rarest models ever made by the famed Geneva brand.
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.