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Patek Philippe
Ref. 1589
A very well preserved yellow gold wristwatch with large enamel Breguet numerals, only one known in this configuration
Full-Cataloguing
- Only known example with painted enamel Breguet numerals
- Large 36mm case
- Excellent state of preservation
- Fresh to the auction market
The present Patek Philippe reference 1589 is a scholarship changing example. Research shows that only three examples are known with Breguet numerals all three with applied numerals and in yellow gold. The present watch is not only fresh to the auction market but is only the 4th known with Breguet numerals but even more important it is the only known example with black enamel Breguet numerals (as confirmed by Extract from Archives), and these are not ordinary Breguet numerals but ones that are quite large giving the watch an incredible visual potency.
Reference 1589 was produced for only a few short years from 1944 to 1952. Its design was a breakthrough from the more no frills reference 96 as not only was it quite large for the time at 36mm but its faceted downturned lugs provided for a more vibrant feel.
The two part case was made by legendary Geneva craftsman Antoine Gerlach (identified by the Poinçon de Maître key number 4), furthermore the watch housed two different movements, the first series were powered by the legendary Caliber 12-120 (the present example) and the second series by the updated, upgraded Caliber 12-400.
Other than its unique status, the collectability of the present watch is elevated to new heights thanks to its excellent state of preservation. The case maintains strong proportions and the hallmarks on the case flank and under lug are deep and crisp. The caseback is engraved “A mi hijo, Polito”. The star of the show nevertheless remains the dial with its superbly preserved glossy silver surface and large enamel painted black Breguet numerals.
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.