Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1957 Reference No: 1593 Movement No: 977’076 Case No: 696’234 Model Name: “The Hour Glass” Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 9’’’90, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 40mm length x 21mm width Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1957 and its subsequent sale on May 29, 1957.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe’s reference 1593, launched in 1944 and in production for over 20 years, is considered by collectors to be one of the brand’s most beautiful rectangular-shaped wristwatch designs. When looking front-on, it is evident where the nickname "the Hour Glass” comes from. The case sides feature a gentle curvature that taper inwardly toward the center from both ends - resembling the outline of an hourglass. The creatively angled crystal enhances these curves with its facet positioned perfectly at the central line of the case.
The reference was produced mainly in yellow and pink gold with rare models executed in platinum; to date there are no known examples in white gold. The design is a monument to a new mid-20th century aesthetic and was accompanied by two other popular references: the 2441, known as the “Eiffel Tower,” and the 2442, nicknamed “Marilyn Monroe.” All three cases were by Markowsky, casemaker number 8, the Geneva-based maker specializing in shaped cases.
The reference 1593 has a bold modern appeal and the present wristwatch is a fine example, coveted for its generous proportions and elegant refinement.
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.