Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII Geneva Saturday, May 8, 2021 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1949
    Reference No: 1579
    Movement No: 667'686
    Case No: 657'556
    Model Name: “Anse a Ragno”
    Material: 18k pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''' 130, 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k pink gold PPCo 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 1949 and its subsequent sale on June 16, 1950.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Along with the reference 591 with “bean lugs”, Patek Philippe’s reference 1579 is the only model from the famed Geneva brand with architectural lugs which are in the shape of briolette diamonds.

    Thanks to these unusual faceted lugs, the reference 1579 is also referred to as the “spider” lug chronograph, and features one of the most impressive case designs from the mid-20th century. Released in 1943 at Basel Fair and in production until 1964, the 35.5mm diameter Wenger case with faceted downturned lugs and rectangular chronograph buttons has an unconventional look that remains sophisticated with an elegant appeal.

    Reference 1579 was made in two different series:

    • 1st series from 1943 to 1949: Arabic and baton numerals, baton or feuille hands

    • 2nd series from 1950 to 1964: Arabic and square numerals, feuille hands like the present watch

    The present reference 1579 stands out not only thanks to its general state of preservation but also to its rare pink gold case of which only 87 are known.

    Enhancing even more its desirability and transforming rare into extraordinary is the Hausmann signature on the dial of the present lot. Founded in Rome in 1794 by Ernst Hausmann and Hermann Frielingsdorf, Hausmann & Co. is one of Patek Philippe's most prominent retailers in Italy. The present reference 1579 in pink gold is one of only four known with this prestigious signature.


    The present watch was originally owned by Formula 1 driver, Alessandro Nannini. Nannini started his driving carreer in 1983 at the 24 Hours Le Mans race where his driving skills were noticed by Minardi who signed him up to his F1 team in in 1985. The car was unreliable but speed was noticed by Benetton who signed him up in 1988. On 12 October 1990, the week after the 1990 Spanish Grand Prix, where he had finished third, Nannini was involved in a helicopter crash which put an end to his career in F1.

    In 1989 Nannini was the winner of the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka and to celebrate his first win he gifted himself the present reference 1579 in pink gold. A watch that he later offered to his son who has decided to part with it hoping it will go to an enthusiast who could appreciate the double “provenance” of Hausmann and Nannini.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    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.

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Ref. 1579
A highly rare and attractive pink gold chronograph wristwatch with spider lugs, retailed by Hausmann & Co.

1949
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 200,000 
€90,700-181,000
$109,000-218,000

Sold for CHF126,000

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

 

 

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII

Geneva Auction 8 - 9 May 2021