Patek Philippe - STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them New York Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1944
    Reference No: 1579
    Movement No: 863'509
    Case No: 638'746
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed.
    Accessories: With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with tachometer scale in 1944 and its subsequent sale on March 8th, 1946.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Collectors of vintage Patek Philippe chronographs are most familiar with the firm’s landmark references: 130, 533, 591, 1463, 530 and 1579. The latter takes a somewhat unique position in this family, as it is the only model featuring fanciful lugs in the shape of briolette diamonds. Thanks to these unusual faceted lugs, the reference 1579 is also referred to as the “spider” lug chronograph, and features one of the most impressive case designs from the mid-20th century. Released in 1943 at Basel and in production until 1964, the 36mm diameter Wenger case with faceted downturned lugs and rectangular chronograph buttons has an unconventional look that remains sophisticated with an elegant appeal. The Valjoux ébauche was finished to the highest standards at Patek Philippe’s workshop and today it is known as the caliber 13''', one of the finest manual chronograph movements of its era.

    The present watch is very well-preserved and a lovely example of the model. The case’s lugs, edges, and angles remain sharp and the case hallmark on the lug is crisp. The dial is stunning, with its raised hard enamel printing perfectly preserved, and while the timepiece was manufactured in 1944, the watch was not sold until 1946 with the short brand signature, as one would expect for the period. The reference was made with two different series of Stern Frères-fabricated dials:

    • 1st series from 1943 to 1949: Arabic and baton numerals, baton or feuille hands, such as the present watch

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

    Patek Philippe’s oversized reference 1579 has a seductive allure and is a watch that today can be comfortably worn in either a formal or casual environment. This watch will attract all connoisseurs for its overall original condition and classic timelessness.

  • 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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ΟΣ18

Ref. 1579
A very attractive and rare pink gold chronograph wristwatch with “spider” lugs and tachymeter scale

1944
36mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed.

Estimate
$80,000 - 140,000 
CHF79,700-140,000
€69,500-122,000
HK$627,000-1,100,000

Sold for $118,750

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them

New York Auction 5 December 2018