Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1955 Reference No: 1579 Movement No: 868'852 Case No: 693'213 Model Name: “Anse a Ragno” Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''' 130, 23 jewel Bracelet/Strap: Vintage alligator Patek Philippe strap Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle stamped PPCo Dimensions: 35.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1955 and its subsequent sale on January 28, 1957. It is furthermore accompanied by a Gübelin Extract from the Archives.
Catalogue Essay
Fresh to the auction market, this sensational chronograph wristwatch retailed by Gübelin is an incredible specimen. At first glance, one cannot help but marvel at the extraordinary condition of the case. It is, in our opinion, among the few examples to have remained in unpolished condition today. The present watch displays very crisp and sharp facets on the lugs. The model responds particularly badly to polishing, as even the lightest intervention dulls its sharp angles. The present example displays an incredibly sharp hallmark to the case band and beneath the lug.
The dial is also preserved in excellent condition, and the enamel remains nicely raised. There are barely any signs of aging on the dial. The Gübelin signature is present above 6 o'clock, adding another element of desirability. Most interestingly, the inside case back bears a line and a series of minuscule letters beneath the Patek Philippe signature. Research shows that this was actually an internal code that Gübelin used, which is further evidence of the dial's legitimacy. To date, only 5 examples of a reference 1579 are known with a Gübelin signed dial, underscoring the rarity of the present timepiece.
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.