Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1953 Reference No: 1491 Movement No: 721'424 Case No: 675'802 Model Name: "Ricciolo" Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-400, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather strap Dimensions: 34mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed by maker, dial further signed by retailer Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1953 and its subsequent sale on December 5, 1953.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe’s reference 1491 was a whimsical deviation from the classic gentlemen’s wristwatch. Produced between 1940 and 1958, the model with scrolled lugs (which are the origin of its Italian nickname “Ricciolo”: “Curl”) had a bold design that set it apart from more traditional wristwatches of the era. It is worth noting that the fashion trend in the 1940s was toward much more restrained designs, thus making this model a pleasant exception in the watchmaking panorama of the time. Today, it is immediately recognizable and highly collectible, and the current example is without a doubt one of the most appealing to appear on the market. Not only the case is preserved in excellent condition - a highly important requisite for this model as the unusual architecture of the lugs is very sensitive to careless polishing, but most importantly the dial feature a number of highly appealing traits: instead of the usual silver dial, this is a salmon colored one, and furthermore featuring a two-tone finish. This is the first (and thus so far unique) example of this reference to appear with this dial design. Salmon dials - and pink gold timepieces in general - were at the time very popular in South America, thus it is not a surprise to find the signature of hallowed Uruguay retailer Freccero - another extremely appealing characteristic - on the dial. Only other 6 examples of this model are known bearing the prestigious signature on their dial. Finally, the present piece is one of the earliest to be made, and it features a sectorial dial design, a very rare and equally appealing style typical of the last years of the 1930s.
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.
