19
Patek Philippe
Ref. 1506
An exceptionally rare, important, and very well-preserved yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with faceted elongated lugs
- Estimate
- $200,000 - 400,000
$406,400
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Patek Philippe
- Year
- 1941
- Reference No
- 1506
- Movement No
- 862’603
- Case No
- 623’876
- Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 13’’’, 23 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 36mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1941 and its subsequent sale on August 27th, 1941. Further accompanied by updated Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives dated May 12th, 2025.
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
One of the rarest chronograph references ever produced by Patek Philippe, this reference 1506 returns to public auction after 17 years cherished in one of the most important private collections of Patek Philippe in the United States.
The reference 1506 has only been produced in six known examples, with 3 in yellow gold and 3 in pink gold, with the last appearance of an example being a decade ago. It is distinguished from other chronographs of the era with spectacular elongated and faceted lugs. The lugs extend almost 10mm from the case, and extend out before turning downwards, with multiple facets to the tops of the lugs unlike any others on vintage Patek Philippe wristwatches.
The case’s state of preservation provides another cause for collectors to celebrate. There is a perfectly preserved hallmark to the very tip of the side of the lug, and another partial crisp hallmark to the caseband. Any polishing would irrevocably alter the character of the case, erasing the architecture of the lugs, so no doubt this piece remains extremely well-preserved. The dial as well retains a beautiful originality, with perfectly preserved printing and a long signature with both comma and accent present. The stepped bezel reflects the architecture of the lugs and increases the impressiveness and dynamism of the case. Similar to the gorgeous architecture of the reference 1518 and early 2499s, the number 9 within a key punched to the interior caseback indicates this 1506 was manufactured by famed casemaker Emile Vichet.
Not only beautiful but incredibly rare, with an example appearing only approximately once every decade, of all the early chronographs with interesting lugs – for example, the 591 “Fagiolino” and the 1579 “Anse a Ragno” – the 1506 has the most limited production and, at 36mm, is one of the largest in both case diameter and lug to lug measurements. Stately and bold, the present extremely well-preserved example appears on the market again for the first time in almost two decades, a singular opportunity for the most astute of collectors.
The reference 1506 has only been produced in six known examples, with 3 in yellow gold and 3 in pink gold, with the last appearance of an example being a decade ago. It is distinguished from other chronographs of the era with spectacular elongated and faceted lugs. The lugs extend almost 10mm from the case, and extend out before turning downwards, with multiple facets to the tops of the lugs unlike any others on vintage Patek Philippe wristwatches.
The case’s state of preservation provides another cause for collectors to celebrate. There is a perfectly preserved hallmark to the very tip of the side of the lug, and another partial crisp hallmark to the caseband. Any polishing would irrevocably alter the character of the case, erasing the architecture of the lugs, so no doubt this piece remains extremely well-preserved. The dial as well retains a beautiful originality, with perfectly preserved printing and a long signature with both comma and accent present. The stepped bezel reflects the architecture of the lugs and increases the impressiveness and dynamism of the case. Similar to the gorgeous architecture of the reference 1518 and early 2499s, the number 9 within a key punched to the interior caseback indicates this 1506 was manufactured by famed casemaker Emile Vichet.
Not only beautiful but incredibly rare, with an example appearing only approximately once every decade, of all the early chronographs with interesting lugs – for example, the 591 “Fagiolino” and the 1579 “Anse a Ragno” – the 1506 has the most limited production and, at 36mm, is one of the largest in both case diameter and lug to lug measurements. Stately and bold, the present extremely well-preserved example appears on the market again for the first time in almost two decades, a singular opportunity for the most astute of collectors.
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since 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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