Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1944 Reference No: 1518 Movement No: 863’370 Case No: 635’019 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13’’, 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle Dimensions: 35 mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1944 and its subsequent sale on July 4th, 1946 and with Patek Philippe service invoice dated August 21, 2018. Literature: Reference 1518 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, first edition p. 231 pl. 386, second edition p. 303 pl. 459.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe’s reference 1518 is a milestone in the history of wristwatches and greatly contributed to the manufacturer's dominant position in the Swiss watchmaking industry. Launched in 1941, in the midst of World War II, it was the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch to be manufactured in series by Patek Philippe. Scholarship indicates that only 281 examples of reference 1518 were made between 1941 and 1954, in yellow and pink gold.
Reference 1518 due to their case construction with snap on case back, is prone for moisture to seep through the pushers or case back. Resulting in spotting or slightly tarnished dial. The present watch is one such example. When it was sold previously in an auction in 2004, the dial has aged so intensely with a thick layer of patina and oxidation around the gold indexes exhibiting a warm ivory tone.
The present watch was sent back to the manufacturer for a lavish facelift. Bringing back close to its original beauty, the dial of the timepiece was invigorated by the most skillful artisans with the worn-off elements repaired, while its immaculate and undamaged parts were nicely preserved.
The final outcome is nothing short of breathtaking, a high-quality workmanship in restoration giving the present lot a refreshing look. Preserving the originality of the hard enameled signature of the dial and the gold hallmarks. Additionally, retaining the crisp edges and curved definition of the case. A treasured trophy that will be a delight for scholars and collectors alike in their collection.
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.