Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1949 Reference No: 1593 Movement No: 971'478 Case No: 655'202 Model Name: "The Hour Glass" Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 9'''90, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Patek Philippe buckle Dimensions: 41.5mm Length and 21.5mm Width Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1949 and its subsequent sale on December 20, 1949.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe’s reference 1593 is a wonderful expression of post-war exuberance. Introduced in 1944, the oversized rectangular case has a bold clean design foreshadowing a mid-century design aesthetic. Affectionately known by collectors as the Hour Glass, the pillar lugs flare outward from the center, and are delightfully curved, giving the timepiece an architectural appeal.
Today, the reference 1593 is a classic amongst collectors, coveted for its large size and elegant refinement. The majority of examples were made in yellow gold with fewer in pink gold. Platinum-cased examples like the present lot are the rarest and most exclusive versions. This particular example is preserved in excellent condition with a crisp hallmark beneath the lug.
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.