Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1949 Reference No: 1579 Movement No: 867'714 Case No: 657'560 Model Name: “Anse a Ragno” Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''' 130, 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe buckle Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1949 and its subsequent sale on October 25,1950.
Catalogue Essay
This exceedingly well-preserved chronograph wristwatch is an extremely impressive example. Introduced to the market in 1943, reference 1579 most notably features faceted lugs that have been dubbed "spider lugs" by collectors, due to their unusual shape. 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 model responds particularly badly to polishing, as even the lightest intervention dulls its sharp angles.
At first glance, one cannot help but marvel at the beautiful condition of the case. Featuring an incredibly sharp hallmark beneath the lug, all edges are crisp and visible. All finishes are visible and the finishes catch the light beautifully.
The dial is also preserved in excellent condition, and the enamel remains nicely raised. The signature of the famous Italian retailer, Gobbi, remains beautifully raised and crisp, adding another layer of collectibility of the watch. The retailer has printed their name on a number of Patek Philippe timepieces on the 20th century, an honor of which was only bestowed to the very best retailers.
The present watch watch is one of nine pink gold reference 1579s with the Gobbi signature on the dial.
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.