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: Stainless steel 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 Wiesenthal's personal watch in stainless steel was auctioned. Simon Wiesenthal 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.
Launched in 1941 and in production until the early 1950s it is one of the rare Patek Philippe watches of the era made predominantly in steel, this could possibly be explained by the fact that it was in production during World War II and its difficult aftermath where gold was reserved for more complicated pieces.
A perfectly timeless watch with a twist thanks to its tear drop lugs, the present reference 1503 features a very attractive two-tone dial and applied Arabic numerals. The stainless steel case is preserved in excellent condition with well-defined teardrop lugs.
The most demanding collectors will certainly appreciate the present watch, with its modern gentlemanly 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.