Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIX featuring the Guido Mondani Collection Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2024 | Phillips

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  • Condition Report

  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1946
    Reference No: 1415
    Movement No: 929'578
    Case No: 647'134
    Model Name: World Time
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-120, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle
    Dimensions: 31mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1946 and its subsequent sale on January 11, 1950, further accompanied by a pink gold (non Patek Philippe) mesh bracelet max length 180mm.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1939, reference 1415 is an absolute milestone reference in the history of Patek Philippe wristwatches. Prior to the reference’s launch, “world time” mechanisms were only found on pocket watches, which often displayed different designs to the centre, such as a polychrome enamel painting of continents or mythical creatures.

    With the rise of international travel, the ingenious “world time system” was first introduced in the early 1930s. Indeed, Patek Philippe advertising from the period marketed world time watches to “the man whose interests go beyond the horizon”.

    Featuring a local time, with hours and minute hand in the centre, the watch was fitted with a rotating 24 hour ring, along with an adjustable outer ring inscribed with the names of different cities. As such, the viewer could immediately adjust the time zone to view both the local time, and all other listed cities simultaneously.

    The present watch is immediately distinguishable by its impeccable state of preservation. This example is one of approximately 15 examples in pink gold. The watch is also fitted with luxurious bracelet from the period.

    One would expect general wear to dull its proportions, yet this example remains sharp and crisp, with a crisp hallmark on the caseband. The watch still retains its factory service sticker on the caseback.

    The dial, too, is preserved in extraordinary condition. This is particularly astounding, considering the watch is fitted with a non-waterproof snap-on case back. Most surviving examples are spotted or tarnished due to exposure to the elements. The enamel signature remains intact and raised.

    Manufactured in 1946, this example is a superlative “world time” in every sense, delighting with its freshness, sheer rarity, unmatched condition and utmost beauty.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    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.

    View More Works

144

Ref. 1415
An extremely fine, highly attractive and very rare pink gold worldtime wristwatch

1946
31mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF120,000 - 240,000 
€123,000-245,000
$131,000-262,000

Place Advance Bid
Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIX featuring the Guido Mondani Collection

Geneva Auction 11 - 12 May 2024