Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 1955
    Reference No: 1579
    Movement No: 868’841
    Case No: 693’237
    Model Name: "Anse a Ragno"
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13-130, 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by blank Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, document with photographs, envelope and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introduced at the 1943 Basel Fair, the Patek Philippe ref. 1579 is distinguished by its angular “Spider Lugs” where each “leg” is presented with 6 facets. Highly unusual yet desirable, the faceted downturned lugs and rectangular chronograph buttons steer away from the quintessential Calatrava-inspired chronographs of the period, adding a dash of strength and levity to the present model. The term “Anse a Ragno” (Spider Lugs) originated from the Italian watch community later in the 1980s, dubbing it one of the earliest examples of nicknames for watches.

    The ref. 1579 was made into two series:

    • 1st series from 1943 to 1949: Arabic and baton numerals, baton or feuille hands

    • 2nd series from 1950 to 1964: Arabic and square numerals, feuille hands like the present example

    Featuring one of the most impressive mid-century case designs, the ethos of the Wenger case is continued onto the present dial, featuring faceted pyramid hour markers which became a standard of the second series. Coupled with a generous 35.5mm case size, this eclectic design rendered the ref. 1579 one of the most appreciated and collectible models in the firm’s catalogue.

    Prior to its cease in production in 1964, the model was offered in yellow and pink gold, stainless steel and platinum, with a casemaker number 1.

    With an estimated 500 pieces made, we believe only 91 pink gold examples have been identified. Fresh-to-the-market, the present ref. 1579 is a beautifully preserved specimen, an exquisite rare gem that will no doubt appeal to collectors of remarkable timepieces.

  • 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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Σ1027

Ref. 1579
A highly rare and attractive pink gold chronograph wristwatch with spider lugs, Certificate of Origin and presentation box

Circa 1955
36mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$1,000,000 - 2,000,000 
€116,000-232,000
$128,000-256,000

Sold for HK$1,270,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023