Patek Philippe - The New York Watch Auction: SEVEN New York Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1939
    Reference No: 1415
    Movement No: 176’120
    Case No: 618’818
    Model Name: World-time
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12’’’, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K gold Patek Philippe buckle
    Dimensions: 31mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed, case back further engraved Robert Stack
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1939, and its subsequent sale on October 8th, 1940

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present world time reference 1415 is one of the most historically significant examples of this reference. In fact, research indicates it is the second 1415 ever made, completed in 1939 – the same year the reference was launched. Examining the watch in detail provides fascinating insights into what is clearly an early prototype of the reference.

    The movement is a 12’’’ ligne pocket watch movement with wolf tooth winding, gold wheel train and camwheel regulation - a forerunner to later production ref. 1415 models that would be fitted with the caliber 12’’’120 wristwatch movement. The bezel features red enamel hour markers, and indicates just 30 world cities, while later generation examples display 39 or 41 cities. It is also interesting to note the silvered dial has Roman and baton hour markers in raised, hard black enamel, compared to later models with applied gold markers. Preserved in wonderful overall condition, the case back is engraved “Robert Stack”.

    Robert Stack (1919-2003) was a well-known American actor, who starred in the landmark action drama television program The Untouchables (1959-1963), for which he won an Emmy Award for Best Actor. Stack joined Universal Studios at the age of 20, and his first film was First Love (1939) with Deanna Durbin. He served as an Aerial Gunnery Officer during World War II, and returned to film following the war, and was nominated for the Academy Award for his portrayal in the 1956 drama Written on The Wind. Stack continued to work in film and television throughout his lifetime, and is remembered by younger fans for his hosting of the long-running television series, “Unsolved Mysteries”.

    At the time, the reference 1415 was a luxurious watch both for its complication and intended wearers – international travelers. Uncommon, expensive, and within reach of only the wealthiest clientele, it should not come as a surprise that a Hollywood star, Robert Stack, was one of the fortunate first owners of such a watch.

    This exceptional reference 1415 is amongst the most important known examples of the reference that we are delighted to offer again at Phillips on behalf of a noted American collector. It’s a remarkable timepiece both for its insight into the development of one of Patek Phillippe’s most iconic models, as well as being owned by a Hollywood legend.

  • 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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Ref. 1415
An extremely early, historically important, and exceptionally well-preserved yellow gold world time wristwatch with tear-drop lugs, formerly owned by Robert Stack

1939
31mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed, case back further engraved Robert Stack

Estimate
$100,000 - 200,000 
CHF95,100-190,000
€96,400-193,000
HK$782,000-1,560,000
S$137,000-274,000

Sold for $151,200

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

Isabella Proia

Head of Sale, New York

+1 (212) 940 1285

iproia@phillips.com

 

The New York Watch Auction: SEVEN

New York Auction 10 - 11 December 2022