Patek Philippe - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1942
    Reference No: 1503
    Movement No: 922'881
    Case No: 627'845
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12''' 120, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Pin buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming year of production of the present watch in 1942 and its subsequent sale on February 22, 1943
    Literature: The present watch is illustrated in Patek Philippe Steel Watches by John Goldberger pages 128, 129

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe’s large reference 1503 wristwatch is one of the firm’s most charismatic vintage time only models, characterized by their stunning teardrop lugs. Produced during the 1940s, their 35mm case diameter was decidedly bigger than other timepieces from the period, and at the same time, more rare considering they were only produced in stainless steel or stainless steel and gold. Several configurations of the reference 1503 are known, including models in stainless steel with gold tear drop lugs, models with an all stainless steel case and black dial, and like the present lot, with a lovely silvered two-tone dial and multiple finishes. An extraordinary and famous 1503 that elevated the importance of the reference, is a stainless steel example originally owned by the Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal, which was fitted with a stunning black dial with Breguet numerals.
    The only two tone dial with full Arabic numerals known to date, the dial of the present watch is a work of art, with three separate textured zones: an outer ring with satin finish, an inner ring with a matte finish, and a circular ring with mirror finish between the two. The original dial is nicely aged and enhanced by the presence of the highly sought after comma between the words “Patek” and “Philippe”, as well as the accent on the word “Genève”, lending credence to its overall originality. The stainless steel case is in excellent condition with well-defined teardrop lugs. Demanding collectors will appreciate the present wristwatch for its modern size, stunning charisma, and unparalleled attractiveness. This is a wonderful, classic example of a stainless steel Patek Philippe featuring a unique dial, and a must have for any collection.

  • 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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130

Ref. 1503
A very rare and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with two-toned silvered dial and teardrop lugs

1942
35mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 40,000 
€23,000-36,700
$25,800-41,200

Sold for CHF52,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016