1080Σ︎
Patek Philippe
Ref. 1491
"Ricciolo"
A well-preserved and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds and curled lugs
Full-Cataloguing
- Distinctive curled lugs
- Case made by legendary casemaker François Markowski
- Dial with Arabic numerals and gold hour markers
Sometimes it does not take much to deem a timeless classic. The Patek Philippe ref. 1491 is a time-only wristwatch produced from 1940 to 1958, that marked a novel approach in mid-century gentleman’s wristwatch, introducing the distinctive boldly curled lugs —the origin of its Italian nickname “Ricciolo”, meaning “curl”. The distinguishing profile and straightforward dial layout make the reference one of the most easily recognized models by collectors.
The solid yellow gold case is probably one of the most intriguing parts of the watch, with its delicate and attractive scrolled lugs that are rarely seen in other watches. In fact, this lovely case was manufactured by François Markowski, renowned casemaker for Patek Philippe who is known for making unusual shaped watch cases, such as the ref. 1450 “Top Hat” and ref. 2441 “Eiffel Tower”. The present reference can be regarded as one of his most sought-after works by many with its classy yet daring lugs design. The dial of the watch shall not be overlooked. Instead of a subsidiary seconds, the present timepiece features a center seconds hand. The sliver finished dial is also featuring a mixture of Arabic numeral indexes and gold hour markers at 3, 6, 9, 12, standing out from an ordinary time-only watch layout.
Delivered with an Extract from the Archives, the production of the watch is confirmed to be in 1948, and sold later in 1950. Offered in well-preserved condition, this ref. 1491 is a timepiece that should not be overlooked.
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.