Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1945 Reference No: 1518 Movement No: 863’680 Case No: 641’826 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13’’’, 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1945, and its subsequent sale on August 27th, 1947.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe is cherished for their unsurpassed collection of complicated timepieces, from 19th century repeating chronograph pocket watches to 21st century perpetual calendar wristwatches. They are legendary for their classic designs, innovative movements, and exceptional craftsmanship.
When Patek Philippe released the reference 1518 in 1941, they introduced a milestone wristwatch that today is considered one of the most important wristwatch models of the 20th century. The reference 1518 was the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch produced by any brand in series, and set the course for Patek Philippe’s dominance in the world of high-end Swiss watchmaking. So ahead of its time was its design, Patek Philippe continues to use its timeless aesthetic as the foundation for a long line of highly sought after successor models including the references 2499, 3970, 5970 and today’s 5270.
The reference 1518’s design aesthetic was a new and modern look with clean lines, elegant proportions, and extended, curved lugs. The case, manufactured by Emile Vichet S. A., with Poinçon de Maître key 9, for Patek Philippe, evolved over the course of its 14 year history and housed Patek Philippe’s exquisitely finished, manually wound caliber 13’’’130 Q.
This landmark model can certainly be considered a must for any serious collector of vintage wristwatches but acquiring one has become more difficult given their scarcity. Scholarship suggests that Patek Philippe produced approximately 281 examples, with the majority in yellow gold, exceedingly rare examples in pink gold, and only four known examples in steel.
Offered by the family of the original owner, this wristwatch was lovingly cherished over two generations. It is in a wonderful state of preservation with hallmarks visible to both the central case band and underneath the lug, and retains well-defined case proportions. Manufactured in 1945, its well-preserved dial features a coveted, long signature. The enamel signature remains thick and defined, with the accent above the "e" in "Genève" strong, as is the comma between "Patek" and "Philippe". The hard enamel printing throughout the dial remains wonderfully preserved.
The reference 1518 is an icon in the horological world. This fresh-to-the-market example is a model for the exceptional craftsmanship of Patek Philippe, and a trophy watch for the connoisseur.
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.
Ref. 1518 A fresh-to-the-market, important, and well-preserved yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with French calendar, tachymeter scale and moon phase
1945 35mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
