Patek Philippe - The New York Watch Auction: SIX New York Saturday, June 11, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1951
    Reference No: 1579
    Case No: 668'574
    Model Name: “Anse a Ragno” / “Spider Lugs”
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13'''130, 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed Patek Philippe, dial additionally signed Gübelin.
    Accessories: Accompanied by original Gübelin box. Further accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture of this watch with tachymeter scale in 1951 and its subsequent sale on August 8th, 1952.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Along with the reference 591 “fagiolino”, Patek Philippe’s reference 1579 is one of only two models from the famed Geneva brand with sculptural lugs. Thanks to these unusually faceted lugs, the reference 1579 is also referred to as the “spider” lug chronograph, or “anse a ragno” in Italian. Featuring one of the most impressive case designs from the mid-20th century when released in 1943 at Basel Fair 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. While 36mm is already oversized for the era, it wears even larger thanks to the architecture of the lugs, combined with the broad bezel. The Valjoux ébauche was finished to the highest standards at Patek Philippe’s workshops and today it is known as the caliber 13''', one of the finest manual chronograph movements of its era.

    Reference 1579 was made in two different 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 (the present watch)

    On the inside caseback, the long line and series of miniscule numbers are visible above the reference and case numbers, an internal code used by Gübelin, corresponding to the signature on the dial and the originality of the box. It is one of only five known Gübelin-signed reference 1579s.

    Fresh-to-the-market when it was first offered in 2010 with its original Gübelin box, it has remained safe in one of America’s most esteemed vintage Patek Philippe collections since its auction debut. It is part of our second chapter of the Ride the Wave saga, exemplifying our collector’s commitment to excellence. We are privileged to be able to offer such a fantastic example of one of the most striking chronographs ever created by Patek Philippe, preserved in crisp and vibrant original condition.

  • 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.

    View More Works

Σ102

Ref. 1579
A very well-preserved and stunning yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with spider lugs and presentation box, retailed by Gübelin

1951
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed Patek Philippe, dial additionally signed Gübelin.

Estimate
$60,000 - 120,000 
CHF59,700-119,000
€57,500-115,000
HK$471,000-942,000
S$83,700-167,000

Sold for $107,100

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

Isabella Proia

Head of Sale, New York

+1 (212) 940 1285

iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: SIX

New York Auction 11-12 June 2022