Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1951 Reference No: 1579 Movement No: 868'191 Case No: 668'567 Model Name: “Anse a Ragno” Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''' 130, 23 jewel Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle stamped PPCo 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 1951 and its subsequent sale on June 18, 1952.
Catalogue Essay
Introduced in 1943, Patek Philippe reference 1579 is distinguished by its angled lugs, which give the watch an incredible presence on the wrist. Unusual and fanciful, the model was a departure from Patek Philippe's normal Calatrava-inspired chronographs of the period.
This sensational chronograph wristwatch is preserved in very impressive condition. At first glance, one cannot help but marvel at the extraordinary condition of the case. The present watch displays very crisp and sharp facets on the lugs, with contrasting brushed and polished finishes. The model responds particularly badly to polishing, as even the lightest intervention dulls its sharp angles. The present example displays an incredibly sharp hallmark to the case band and beneath the lug.The dial is also preserved in excellent condition, and the enamel remains nicely raised.
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.