Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1945
    Reference No: 1518
    Movement No: 863’670
    Case No: 638’779
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13'', 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1945 and its subsequent sale on August 7th, 1946.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introduced in 1941 amidst global tumult, the groundbreaking ref. 1518 stands as the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch ever produced in series. As the forefather of Patek Philippe's perpetual calendar chronograph lineage, the ref. 1518's design DNA can be seen in subsequent references like the 2499, 3970, 5970, and today's 5270. This model paved the way for the manufacturer’s enduring legacy as the finest producer of complicated wristwatches.

    With only 281 examples made over its 13-year production run accordingly to research, the ref. 1518 is exceptionally rare. Fresh-to-the-market, the present example in yellow gold is preserved in excellent overall condition and represents an early first series example. Most notably, this dial is stamped with a long signature displaying "Patek, Philippe & Co". The dial is preserved in very good condition as it has gracefully aged over time. Details like the comma and accent in the signature are delicate and prone to disappearing over time and wear, making examples with crisp, complete signatures like this one especially desirable. Moreover, this particular dial has aged to a warm ivory tone and has incredible charisma. The tachymeter scale positioned to the right of 12 o'clock is also an early style seen in the first few years of production.

  • 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. 1518
A highly important, fresh-to-the-market, very fine and rare yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases

1945
35mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$2,350,000 - 4,700,000 
€276,000-551,000
$301,000-603,000

Sold for HK$5,334,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Hong Kong Auction 23 - 24 November 2024