1081Σ︎
Patek Philippe
Ref. 1518J “First series”
An important and early yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with luminous dial, luminous hands, tachymeter scale, moon phases indication, Extract from the Archives
Full-Cataloguing
- First Series case by Emile Vichet
- Early example made in 1942
- Dial restored with applied luminous markers and baton hands
Some watches are so legendary that timepieces of the present times are still heavily influenced by the designs — the Patek Philippe ref. 1518 is unquestionably one of the most iconic timepieces of the last century, and is basically the blueprint of subsequent references such as the 2499, 3970, 5970, and today's 5270. It was the world’s first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch, debuted in 1941 amidst the chaotic times when many watch manufacturers halted operations due to the ongoing war, a design so remarkable that could blend functionality and elegance seamlessly.
The present ref. 1518 deserves great attention. With a production period spanning from 1941 to 1954, slightly more than a decade, only 281 pieces of ref. 1518 were manufactured. In the earliest years of production, from 1941 to 1942, only 18 pieces were made. The present timepiece was manufactured in 1942, as confirmed by the Extract from the Archives, making it an exceptionally rare example from the First Series of the legendary reference.
Encased in a solid yellow gold case made by the renowned casemaker Emile Vichet, the present ref. 1518 First Series is notable for being fitted with a dial showing “MK III” features. Foremost, the dial presents the desirable pre-1948 long “Patek Philippe & Co.” signature. The larger fronts on the day and month apertures, and the “Base 1000” inscription sitting to the left of the 12 numeral are also notable features that are usually found on other “MK III” dials.
The present timepiece has undergone restoration previously. While feuille hands are the default factory set up, the present timepiece fitted with luminous baton hands is unconventional. The timepiece has appeared twice in previous auctions, and the luminous markers have been applied and minutes and hours hands changed in past restoration, likely to cater the previous owner’s liking, and for increased legibility.
This ref. 1518, with the unusual dial configuration, still does not decline the fact that it is an early production model from the First Series. The very-well preserved case with strong lugs and clear bevels is a desirable factor making this watch a timepiece of high collectability.
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.