One of the most elusive Patek Philippe models, ref. 559 was in production during the 1920s and 1930s and features a good measure of the whimsy which permeated watch designs - and society in general - during the Roaring Twenties. The case, most notably, features unusual hooded lugs with a very slight hinging that allow the watch to better “hug” the wrist. It is interesting to point out how the model, possibly because originally intended for male’s wrists, does not feature the curves and floral motif typical of the Art Deco, rather veering toward a much more geometric design, anticipating by decades a trend which will fully blossom in the 1960s/1970s.

Hardly ever seen in an auction room, so far only 9 other pieces were known: 4 in yellow gold, 3 in pink gold, 1 in steel, and 1 in white and rose gold. The discovery of this previously unknown example marks the appearance of the tenth example.