Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1952
    Reference No: 1579
    Movement No: 868’483
    Case No: 674’437
    Model Name: "Anse a Ragno"
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13’’, 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped Orologeria Gobbi S.R.L. Milano dated April 1955, Gobbi Certificate of Origin dated 11th June 1956, product literature and fitted presentation box. Further accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with applied gold hour markers in 1952 and its subsequent sale on April 14th, 1955.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introduced to the market in 1943, the reference 1579 is highly regarded for its distinctive faceted lugs, nicknamed "spider lugs" by collectors due to their unique shape. With a diameter of 36mm, the case of this timepiece was oversized for its time, a characteristic that adds to its desirability today.

    At first glance, the remarkable condition of the case immediately catches the eye. The delicate angles of the lugs are notoriously difficult to preserve, yet this case has retained its sharpness flawlessly. The hallmarks on the caseband and beneath the lug are well-preserved and legible, while the last three digits of the case number engraved at the inner top left lug are clear and crisp.

    The dial is also exceptionally well-preserved, with the enamel perfectly raised. Of particular note is the signature of the renowned Italian retailer, Gobbi, Milano, which remains beautifully crisp on the dial.

    This particular timepiece is one of only nine pink gold reference 1579s to feature the Gobbi signature on the dial. Notably, it is the second time this watch has become available on the market, having previously been sold as part of the original owner's family collection. Since then, the watch has been meticulously cared for and has seen minimal wear.

    The true treasure, however, lies within the accompanying accessories. This watch is accompanied by its original Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin in 1955, presentation box, as well as the original pamphlets and certificate of origin from Gobbi, Milano themselves. The Extract from the Archives further confirms the manufacture of the watch in 1952 and its subsequent sale on 14th April 1955. This comprehensive set of accessories further enhances the collectability and incredible provenance of the timepiece.

  • 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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1036

Ref. 1579
A highly rare and well-preserved pink gold chronograph wristwatch with spider lugs, tachymeter scale, Certificate of Origin, Gobbi certificate and presentation box, retailed by Gobbi, Milano

1952
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$800,000 - 1,600,000 
€96,000-192,000
$103,000-205,000

Sold for HK$1,651,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024