Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: X Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1945
    Reference No: 1518
    Movement No: 863’682
    Case No: 641’828
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13-130 Q, 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe presentation box, outer packaging and additional crown. Furthermore accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1945 with remarks that the original bracelet was in yellow gold and its subsequent sale on September 13, 1947.

  • Catalogue Essay

    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.

    Preserved in excellent and remarkable condition, the present timepiece wonderfully exemplifies the characteristics of the reference 1518. An early first series example, this dial is most notably 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, the other is punched on the side of the case. Furthermore, this timepiece retains its non-signed crown, which is correct.

    This timepiece has been in an important private European collection since 1995 when it first appeared on the auction market.

    It is a remarkable occasion when a reference 1518 appears on the market, no less in such original and excellent condition.

  • 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. 1518
An extremely rare and very well-preserved yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moonphases

1945
35mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF250,000 - 500,000 
€235,000-469,000
$260,000-520,000

Sold for CHF375,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: X

Geneva Auction 9-10 November 2019