Patek Philippe - The New York Watch Auction: XI New York Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1948
    Reference No: 1518
    Movement No: 867’522
    Case No: 653’819
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13’’’, 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K pink gold bracelet, unsigned
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1948, and its subsequent sale on December 5th, 1950.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The reference 1518 was the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch produced by any brand in series, and set the course for Patek Philippe’s dominance in the world of high-end Swiss watchmaking. So ahead of its time was its design, Patek Philippe continued to use its timeless aesthetic as the foundation for a long line of highly sought after successor models including the references 2499, 3970, 5970 and today’s 5270.

    This landmark model can certainly be considered a must for any serious collector of vintage wristwatches but acquiring one has become more difficult given the scarcity of well-preserved examples coming to the market. Scholarship suggests that Patek Philippe produced approximately 281 examples. The majority in yellow gold, with pink gold specimens just a small fraction of the total production.

    When introduced during the turmoil of World War II, the reference 1518’s design aesthetic was a new and modern look with clean lines, elegant proportions, and extended, curved lugs. The case, manufactured by Emile Vichet S. A. for Patek Philippe, evolved over the course of its 14 year history. Patek’s exquisitely finished, manually wound caliber 13’’’130 Q is housed inside.

    The state of preservation of this example is absolutely impressive, clearly very sparingly worn over its 76-year lifespan. Its case retains the strong lug definition, beautifully brushed, and polished surfaces, and masculine appeal the reference is known for. Two strong and crisp hallmarks, one at the outer, lower edge of the lug and the second on the side of the case are perfectly defined giving further evidence to its remarkable condition. Likewise, the silver dial shows no signs of ever having been restored, with only minor aging evident, and all of the raised, hard enamel printing for the signature, sub-dials and scales remains full and intact.

    An additional layer of interest is given by the fact that this specimen features an Italian calendar - perfectly matching the dial without "miles" indication which implies the original sale market of this piece was not in an Anglo-Saxon country. Research indicates only eight examples of the 1518 in pink gold are known with an Italian calendar.

    Purchased by the consignor, an important European collector, in 2000, it returns to the market 24 years later in the identical state of preservation as when it first appeared. Since then, he fitted a lovely period correct, “chicco di riso”, or “grains of rice” bracelet in 18 karat rose gold, also included with the present lot. This revolutionary model is a must-have for any serious collector of vintage Patek Philippe watches, ticking all the boxes that collectors seek in a legendary vintage watch.

  • 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

115

Ref. 1518
An extremely well-preserved, important, and highly attractive pink gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phase, Italian calendar, tachymeter scale and bracelet

1948
35mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
$800,000 - 1,600,000 
CHF704,000-1,410,000
€750,000-1,500,000
HK$6,220,000-12,440,000

Sold for $1,633,000

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman, Watches, 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: XI

New York Auction 7 - 8 December 2024