101Σ︎
Patek Philippe
Ref. 1518
An incredible, extremely well-preserved, and highly important pink gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with tachymeter scale and moonphase
Full-Cataloguing
• “Museum quality”, completely original example in pink gold, with exceptionally sharp case and completely untouched dial – perhaps the best-preserved pink gold 1518 to have ever surfaced
• Fresh-to-the-auction-market and previously unknown to the public sphere
• A historically important model as the world’s first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch
Phillips is immensely proud to present this extraordinary pink gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch, undoubtedly amongst the finest and most immaculately preserved examples of the reference 1518 ever to surface. Having had the privilege of offering some of the most exceptional 1518s to appear at auction—including the legendary stainless steel example sold in Geneva last season for over 14,000,000 CHF —the present watch stands apart even within this distinguished lineage. Previously unknown to the public sphere, it represents, in our opinion, the best-preserved pink gold 1518 we have encountered to date—an extraordinary discovery of the highest order.
Introduced in 1941, amidst the uncertainties of World War II, the reference 1518 marked a pivotal moment in horological history. Unveiled at the Basel Watch Fair, it was the world’s first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch—an unprecedented technical and conceptual achievement that firmly established Patek Philippe at the forefront of complicated watchmaking. Its timeless design language continues to resonate through the brand’s most celebrated perpetual calendar chronographs, from the references 2499 and 3970 to the 5970 and the contemporary 5270.
Of the approximately 281 examples of reference 1518 produced between 1941 and 1954, only around 58 are believed to have been cased in pink gold, rendering the present watch exceptionally rare. Reserved for the most esteemed clients of the firm, each example embodies the highest standards of craftsmanship and exclusivity.
The present example is distinguished not only by its rarity, but by its breathtaking state of preservation. The stunning Vichet case, in our most certain opinion never polished, retains its full, original proportions with remarkably crisp edges, pronounced lugs, and beautifully preserved factory finishes. The crispness of the brushed finishing throughout the case and caseback is remarkable, indicative it was kept unworn since its original purchase until the present day. The hallmarks, both to the case band and beneath the lugs, remain sharp and deeply struck—an increasingly uncommon feature among surviving examples, many of which have been compromised through repeated polishing over decades. The spring bar pin holes remain perfectly round and crisp, further indicating the watch was hardly ever worn or used over the decades. Even the winding crown is original, oversized and without the Calatrava cross indicative of a replacement. In fact, its incredible case condition can be considered the benchmark for what a pink gold reference 1518 looked like when originally sold.
The dial, with Portuguese day and month disks, is equally stunning. Preserved in outstanding original condition, it displays a rich and attractive patina, with all printing, signatures, and scales in raised enamel remaining crisp and completely intact. Natural signs of aging to the original zapon, or protective varnish, provide an overall aesthetic that is one of remarkable harmony, reflecting a watch that has remained untouched and carefully preserved throughout its life.
Fresh-to-the-auction-market and offered publicly for the first time, this “museum quality” reference 1518 represents a rare and compelling opportunity for the most discerning collectors to acquire one of the most important wristwatches ever produced, in a state of preservation that is virtually impossible to find again.
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.