Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1947 Reference No: 1579 Movement No: 867’140 Case No: 645’000 Model Name: “Anse a Ragno” / “Spider Lugs” Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13’’’, 130, 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pink buckle Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1947 and its subsequent sale on February 25, 1948.
Catalogue Essay
Collectors of vintage Patek Philippe chronographs are most familiar with the firm’s landmark references: 130, 533, 591, 1463, 530, and 1579. The latter takes a somewhat unique position in this family, as it is the only model featuring fanciful lugs in the shape of briolette diamonds. Thanks to these unusual, faceted lugs, the reference 1579 is also referred to as the “spider” lug chronograph and features one of the most impressive case designs from the mid-20th century.
Released in 1943 at Basel and in production until 1964, the 36mm-diameter Wenger case with faceted downturned lugs and rectangular chronograph buttons has an unconventional look that remains sophisticated with an elegant appeal. The Valjoux ébauche was finished to the highest standards at Patek Philippe’s workshop and today is known as the caliber 13''', one of the finest manual-wind chronograph movements of its era.
Reference 1579 was made in two different series:
• 1st series, from 1943 to 1949; Arabic and baton numerals, baton or feuille hands (present watch) • 2nd series, from 1950 to 1964; Arabic and square numerals, feuille hands
The present timepiece is fresh to the market and well preserved. The model's 36 millimeter case diameter is particularly large for the period, lending the watch an incredibly modern appearance today, while retaining its vintage dial and lug configuration.
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.