Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1948 Reference No: 1503/2 Movement No: 962'044 Case No: 642'225 Material: Stainless steel and 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 12'''120, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle stamped PP.Co Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with raised gold hours markers in 1948 and its subsequent sale on 15 September 1948. Literature: A similar watch is illustrated in "Patek Philippe Steel Watches" by John Goldberger, pp. 130 – 131
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe’s reference 1503 along with its gold sibling reference 1509 was introduced in 1941 and in production until the early 1950s.
The reference 1503 is a rare treasure within the Patek Philippe collection as it was produced only in stainless steel or stainless steel with gold tear drop lugs and crown.
The present model is a reference 1503/2 and differs from reference 1503/1 such featuring more prominent lugs.
It is incredible how much charisma and personality can be found in 35mm. The perfect gentleman’s wristwatch the present reference is definitely classic with a twist with its elegant gold tear drop lugs. The true beauty of this timepiece resides in the superb silvered two-tone dial with multiple finishes and raised hard enamel signature made by Stern Frères.
Reference 1503 is an extremely elusive timepiece, very few were produced and very few show up on the international market. In fact the present reference 1503/2 in stainless steel and gold is the only one known in this combination!
The present reference 1503 stands out in its own right with its very attractive two-tone dial , the stainless steel and gold case 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.
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.