Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1956 Reference No: 1578 Movement No: 706'573 Case No: 2'600'889 Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Mechanical, 27SC, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Black Patek Philippe crocodile leather strap Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle Dimensions: 35 mm. diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With Patek Philippe fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1956 and its subsequent sale on 5 December 1957.
Catalogue Essay
This reference 1578 is a charming example, offered in very original and crisp condition. The watch is only seen very minor polishing and still retains the spider leg-formed lugs that has made this reference so popular and highly collectible. The reference was introduced in the early 1940s and remains in production until the mid-60s.
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.