Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1943 Reference No: 591 Movement No: 863'244 Case No: 633'549 Model Name: "Fagiolino" Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 23 jewels, stamped with the Geneva Seal Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 34mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1943 with rose dial, applied hour markers and tachometer scale and its subsequent sale on October 19, 1944
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe first launched reference 591 in 1938. At the time of production, the model was entirely different from anything that the manufacture had ever produced. The case, produced by Wenger, featured "bean" shaped lugs, sparking the Italian nickname “Fagiolino" (“little bean”). The angular, and relatively sharp lines starkly contrasted with the smooth Calatrava design of contemporary reference 130 and 533. Ref. 591 was also larger than its chronograph siblings, boasting a 34 mm case diameter, giving the watch a modern aesthetic today.
Fresh to the auction market, this particular example displays a beautiful pink dial preserved in exceptional condition and absolutely confirmed by the Archives of Patek Philippe. The dial surface does not show major signs of ageing, and the salmon hue is as even and strong as ever, without spots or shadows. It furthermore retains its long signature, found on pre-1948 production and highly cherished by Patek Philippe connoisseurs. The case is also in remarkable condition, featuring a crisp and sharp hallmark on the side of the lug, a notoriously sensitive place when it comes to polishing. It also retains its original crown, and one can admire how remarkably well-preserved the lugs are: full and with sharp edges. Even the original circular satin finish to the back is preserved unspoiled.
Such a well preserved specimen, furthermore dressed in the exquisitely exotic PoP (Pink-onPink) attire, and never before seen on the auction market is a discovery as exciting as the watch is charming.
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.