Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: Circa 1950s Reference No: 1593 Movement No: 977'753 Case No: 2'650'441 Model Name: “The Hour Glass” Material: Platinum, diamonds Calibre: Manual, cal. 9'''90, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Dimensions: 40mm length x 21mm width Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed.
Catalogue Essay
One of only four known across all metals, this platinum reference 1593 with diamond dial lacks a notable feature, setting it apart from earlier 1593s: a subsidiary seconds dial. Only very few were manufactured in the latter part of the reference 1593’s production run, and this is the first platinum example to appear publicly. One in pink gold and two in yellow gold are also known; however, our research shows that the last yellow gold example without “petites secondes” sold at auction in 2004. Thus, the appearance of this platinum and diamond example is a truly exceptional occurrence.
Nicknamed the “Hour Glass” due to the narrowed center of the case and flamboyantly flared lugs resembling those ancient timekeepers, this particular example is in, to use the colloquial phrase, amazing condition. And that’s because even sixty years after leaving the workbenches of Patek Philippe, the case remains at the utmost level of condition. A delicate chamfer runs down the interior part of the case close to the crystal, an area particularly prone to polishing, as well as a small peak at the narrow part of the case where it meets the horizontal facet of the crystal. The case is sharp, with beautiful, brushed finishing flanked by polished accents on the sides of the case. A crisp platinum hallmark adorns the caseband, deeply punched and unaltered.
This combination of rarity and condition, as well as sophisticated luxury, is a winning one for the dedicated connoisseur. Its stylish presence on the wrist makes it an ideal companion for the most elegant evenings.
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.