1065
Patek Philippe
Ref. 1518R
An exceedingly rare, important and well-preserved pink gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with Spanish calendar, moon phases and Extract from the Archives
Full-Cataloguing
- Away from public market for 24 years
- Well-preserved pink gold example with crisp hallmarks
- Only around 58 examples of ref. 1518 are believed to have been made in pink gold
- One of the last known ref. 1518 in pink gold produced by Patek Philippe
The historical importance of the ref. 1518 cannot be highlighted enough, launched in 1941 it was the world’s very first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph and stayed the only wristwatch (along with its sibling ref. 2499) with this complication combination for the better part of the 20th Century. This reference not only set the blueprint design for all future perpetual calendar chronographs to come but also set the course for Patek Philippe’s dominance in the world of high-end Swiss watchmaking.
Phillips is honoured to present this extraordinary pink gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch. Having had the privilege of offering some of the most exceptional ref. 1518s to appear at auction, including the legendary stainless steel example sold in Geneva Fall 2025. The present watch stands apart even within this distinguished lineage. Last appeared at auction in 2002, the present example is amongst the finest pink gold ref. 1518 we have encountered to date.
Of the approximately 281 examples of ref. 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. According to our research, the present ref. 1518 is one of the last produced in pink gold by Patek Philippe.
Last few ref. 1518 in pink gold produced known:
Movement No. 868’239, Case No. 674’151, 1951 (Present example)
Movement No. 868’240, Case No. 674’152, 1951
Movement No. 868’241, Case No. 674’153, 1951
Movement No. 868’242, Case No. 674’154, Circa 1954
The present example is distinguished not only by its rarity but by its state of preservation. The magnificent Vichet case retains its full, original proportions with defined edges and pronounced lugs. The hallmarks, both to the caseband and beneath the lugs, remain deep and visible, an increasingly uncommon feature among surviving examples, many of which have been compromised through decades of repeated polishing. The spring bar pin holes remain round and crisp, further attesting to a life of extraordinary care and minimal wear.
The dial, with Spanish day and month disks, is equally stunning. Beautifully preserved with all printing, signatures, and scales in raised enamel remaining crisp and almost entirely intact. Natural signs of aging contribute to an overall aesthetic of remarkable harmony, reflecting a watch that has been carefully preserved throughout its life.
The iconic ref. 1518 has always been considered a stellar timepiece, but in recent times its monumental collectability and importance has been truly understood and its status as Ultimate Grail unarguably recognised by the collector’s community. This attractive ref. 1518 in pink gold represents a rare and compelling opportunity for the most discerning collectors to acquire one of the most important wristwatches ever produced. It is sure to be the centerpiece of any vintage watch collection.
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.