Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR Hong Kong Monday, May 29, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1948
    Reference No: 1415HU
    Movement No: 962'482
    Case No: 655'712
    Material: 18k pink gold
    Calibre: Mechanical, 12-120, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k pink gold Patek Philippe Gay Frères bracelet, 180 mm. maximum length
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k pink gold Patek Philippe folding clasp stamped GF 2.51
    Dimensions: 31 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed, bracelet further signed GF for Gay Frères
    Accessories: With Patek Philippe fitted presentation box. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with pink gold bracelet in 1948 and its subsequent sale on 16 February 1950.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1939, reference 1415 is an absolute milestone reference in the history of Patek Philippe wristwatches. Prior to the reference’s launch, “world time” mechanisms were only found on pocket watches, which often displayed different designs to the centre, such as a polychrome enamel painting of continents or mythical creatures.

    With the rise of international travel, the ingenious “world time system” was first introduced in the early 1930s. Indeed, Patek Philippe advertising from the period marketed world time watches to “the man whose interests go beyond the horizon”.

    Featuring a local time, with hours and minute hand in the centre, the watch was fitted with a rotating 24 hour ring, along with an adjustable outer ring inscribed with the names of different cities. As such, the viewer could immediately adjust the time zone to view both the local time, and all other listed cities simultaneously.

    Completely fresh to the market, the present watch is immediately distinguishable by its impeccable state of preservation. This example is one of approximately two dozen pink gold examples bearing 41 cities on the bezel, which is much rarer than the bezel variant which bears 31 cities. The watch is also fitted with a Patek Philippe bracelet.

    A “time capsule” in so many ways, this watch is completely unpolished, displaying two incredibly sharp hallmarks to the case and full, thick lugs. Retaining all its original proportions, the brushed and satin finishes are completely original and display how the watch originally left the Patek Philippe factory. One would expect general wear to dull its proportions, yet this example remains sharp and crisp. Even the crown is original.

    One can conclude the present watch sat in a safe for most of its life, having been cherished by its owner, brought out only on special occasions.

    The dial, too, is preserved in extraordinary condition. This is particularly astounding, considering the watch is fitted with a non-waterproof snap-on case back. Most surviving examples are spotted or tarnished due to exposure to the elements. The enamel signature remains intact and raised, having seen no intervention at all.

    Further enhancing the watch is the completely fluid, luxurious any heavy pink gold bracelet stamped by Patek Philipe and Gay Frères, which is confirmed by the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives.

    Manufactured in 1948, this example is a superlative “world time” in every sense, delighting with its freshness, sheer rarity, unmatched condition and utmost beauty.

  • 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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863

Ref. 1415HU
An extremely fine, highly attractive and very rare pink gold worldtime wristwatch with bracelet

1948
31 mm. diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed, bracelet further signed GF for Gay Frères

Estimate
HK$780,000 - 1,550,000 
€93,900-187,000
$100,000-200,000

Sold for HK$1,375,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR

Hong Kong Auction 30 May 2017