Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE Hong Kong Monday, November 25, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1952
    Reference No: 1579
    Movement No: 868'502
    Case No: 674'424
    Model Name: Spider lugs, Anse a Ragno
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13'''130, 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Further accompanied by laminated Patek Philippe Certificat d'Origine et de Garantie dated August 28, 1953 and fitted presentation box. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of this watch in 1952 and its subsequent sale on August 28, 1953.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 1579 was in production from 1943 to the mid-1960s in all the “classic” metals but white gold: yellow and pink gold, platinum and stainless steel.

    The case architecture is defined by extremely unusual lugs’ design characterised by 6 sharply defined facets. Such construction is found only on this reference (and its non-chronographic sibling 1578). As this is the defining feature of the model (the nickname Spider Lugs - direct translation from the Italian “Anse a Ragno” it is of paramount importance for them to be sharp in order to maintain the aesthetic impact of the watch. Unfortunately, the combination of the tender gold metal of the case with the sharp edges of the lugs does not respond well to polishing. In this case, however, the facets and edges are well preserved and defined - as are both hallmarks thus undoubtedly certifying the case was subject to no aggressive polishing.
    Another peculiar trait of the reference are the pyramid-shaped hour markers (found on examples from 1950s onward. Earlier examples bear less uncommon baton hour markers), adding flair to the ensemble. Finally, the large-for-the-time 36mm diameter renders this model an eminently wearable watch even for today’s standards.

    The present example not only distinguishes itself for the aforementioned case condition (matched by the dial condition as well), but it furthermore still retains the original guarantee and box. Interestingly, a passage of property is recorded on the backside of the certificate, where a handwritten note reads: “Received from Andrew Brook on 3 March 1986 $8000. On(e) Patek Philippe Watch as stated on reverse side of this certificate”. When reading this, one cannot help but smile at how much watch collecting has changed over the course of just three decades.

  • 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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Σ1121

Ref. 1579
An very rare, large and well preserved yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with "spider" lugs, Certificate of Origin and presentation box

1952
36mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$520,000 - 800,000 
€59,200-91,100
$66,700-103,000

Sold for HK$625,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE

Hong Kong Auction 25-26 November 2019