Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1942 Reference No: 1532 Movement No: 835’511 Case No: 629’094 Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 9'''90, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Associated 18K pink gold link bracelet, max overall length 180mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Dimensions: Case length 34mm Signed: Case, dial and movements signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1942, and its subsequent sale on May 11th, 1943.
Catalogue Essay
The history of horology is as much about the craftsmanship of the movement as it is for the design. The early 20th century is highlighted by an appreciation for design and a changing attitude for functional elegance, which is seen in men’s wristwatches with a modern, forwarding looking perspective. Some of the most iconic watches today are collected because of their aesthetics, from Cartier’s avant-garde Crash to Gilbert Albert's asymmetrical cases for Patek Philippe, or the robust classic appeal of the reference 2499 by Wenger. Andre and Edouard Wenger began case making in 1912 and registered their trademark in 1920. The firm became one of the most prestigious makers for Patek Philippe and recognized for their innovative designs, which captured the ideals of early 20th century modernism.
Consigned by the family of the original owner – the same owner of the Patek Philippe reference 1518 offered in the previous lot, the present rectangular shaped pink gold wristwatch is a wonderful example of a Wenger case with hooded lugs, which came to prominence in the early 1930s. Fitted with an 18 karat rose gold bracelet of the period, the watch has a timeless elegance with covered ends, so the bracelet attachments are unseen. It is visually appealing with clean lines reminiscent of early 20th century architecture.
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.
