Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI Geneva Saturday, November 5, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1950
    Reference No: 1579
    Movement No: 867'558
    Case No: 660'200
    Model Name: "Spider Lugs", "Anse a Ragno"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13'''130, 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives. Furthermore accompanied by Habsburg, Feldman Certificate of Authenticity dated October 14, 1989.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The defining characteristic of reference 1579 is without a doubt its angled lugs: each one presents 6 facets, three on the short first part of the lug, leading from the case to the broad mid section, mirrored by three others on the second long part of the lug, tapering into a tip. This unusual and fanciful architecture was a departure from Patek Philippe's normal Calatrava-inspired chronographs of the period and is a surprising mix of strength and levity. It is so characteristic and peculiar that it has inspired a nickname for this model since the 1980s: “Spider Lugs” (originally, “Anse a Ragno”, in Italian), one of the earliest examples of watch nickname. In an exquisite show of subtlety, the angularity of the case is reprised on the dial by the faceted pyramid markers - the standard on this model since the beginning of the 1950s (1940s example usually bear baton markers) and hardly ever seen on any other Patek Philippe wristwatch. Coupled with the generous size of the case, this eclectic design rendered ref. 1579 one of the most appreciated and collectible models of the company.

    In production from 1943 to the mid-60s, the model is known in yellow gold, pink gold, steel and platinum, with all cases made by Wenger (casemaker number 1, in a Key as for al Geneva makers). The total production for the model is estimated to be less than 500 pieces, a more restricted output than several current production limited edition pieces.

    The present example has resided in the same collection for the past 33 years, nearly to the day: it was purchased by the current owner on October 15, 1989 at an Habsburg, Feldman auction - as documented by the accompanying Habsburg Feldman Certificate. The dedication “Clielo 8 - IX - 50” is engraved in vernacular cursive script to the back, adding charm to the ensemble.

  • 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.

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Ref. 1579
A large, charismatic and very collectible yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with "spider lugs"

1950
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 50,000 
€25,700-51,500
$25,000-50,100

Sold for CHF40,320

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com
 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva
+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI

Geneva Auction 5 - 6 November 2022