Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1949 Reference No: 1579 Movement No: 867'573 Case No: 654’222 Model Name: “Anse a Ragno - Freccero” Material: 18k pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13”’, 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18k pink gold pin buckle signed PP&Co Dimensions: 36mm DIameter Signed: Case dial, movement and buckle signed, dial further signed by retailer Freccero Accessories: Accompanied by original Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin and Guarantee stamped by Freccero , Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1949 and its subsequent sale on December 15, 1949 and extra "bangle" style pink gold bracelet.
Catalogue Essay
The WOW factor of the present reference 1579 is definitely on the high considering its incredible good looks and preservation.
Introduced in 1943, Patek Philippe reference 1579 definitely exults a seductive allure that remains today sophisticated with an elegant appeal. Due to its fanciful lugs in the shape of briolette diamonds, the reference is often referred to as the “Spider Lugs" chronograph. This unusual feature propelled this watch to one of the most impressive case designs of the 1950s.
However, the desirability of the present example reaches new heights not only thanks to its splendid dial that has gracefully aged to a "powder pink" hue giving the watch incredible charisma but also thanks to the Freccero signature at the lower section of the dial. Freccero is a highly renowned South American retailer based in Montevideo, Uruguay which is still in business today.
The collectability of the present reference 1579 reaches Himalayan levels thank to the presence of the original Patek Philippe Certificat d'Origine et de garantie stamped by Freccero.
Only 4 examples of reference 1579 in pink gold - including the present lot - have appeared to the market with the Freccero signature on the dial. Among these extremely rare pieces, only two of them have enamel indexes and this watch is the only known piece to come with original certificate making it an absolute must have for the savvy collector.
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.