Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE Geneva Saturday, May 14, 2016 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1946
    Reference No: 1503
    Movement No: 928'946
    Case No: 635'438
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12'''120, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold pin buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production of the watch in 1946 and sale on October 2, 1946

  • Catalogue Essay

    The generously sized Patek Philippe reference 1503 was catapulted to worldwide fame when in 2007, Simon Wisenthal’s personal watch in stainless steel was auctioned. Simon Wisenthal is celebrated today for his unparalleled work in bringing to justice Nazi war criminals associated with the atrocities of World War II. Selling for over CHF 350’000, it was the highest price ever achieved for a watch of this reference.

    The present reference 1503 stands out in its own right, featuring a very attractive two-tone dial and applied Arabic numerals. The stainless steel case, like Mr. Wiesenthal’s watch, is preserved in excellent condition with well-defined and spectacular teardrop lugs. The most demanding collectors will certainly appreciate the present watch, with its modern gentleman size, stunning charisma, and timeless aesthetics.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    Since 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.

    View More Works

129

Ref. 1503
A very rare and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with two-tone dial and teardrop lugs

1946
35mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 30,000 
€18,400-27,500
$20,600-30,900

Sold for CHF35,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016