.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with raised gold hour markers in 1948 and its subsequent sale on 19 March 1949.
This watch must be considered as one of the most attractive pink gold reference 1518 models ever to appear in public: it reveals the best of all ingredients this landmark model can possibly offer to any connoisseur collector.
The spectacular dial has never been restored or cosmetically enhanced in any way. The hard enamel signature and scales are, consequently, as raised as one would expect. The case impresses any beholder with its sharp angles and, in a most remarkable manner, with its full bodied lugs. This effect is the logical consequence of two reasons: the watch has not seen much wear and most importantly, was never exposed to careless polishing. The hallmarks are, of course, preserved as any demanding collector would require.
The combination of the incredibly attractive dial, freshness to the market and stunningly original and well preserved condition render this watch particularly appealing to the demanding collector.
Reference 1518 was launched in 1941 and according to literature, only 281 examples were made until 1954, the majority cased in yellow gold (see lot 62 in this auction). It was furthermore the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch produced in series by any watch company. The model was later replaced by reference 2499 (see lots 224 and 403 in this auction), also a perpetual calendar chronograph, but with a wider diameter and fluted lugs.
Reference 1518 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, first edition p. 231 pl. 386, second edition p. 303 pl. 459 and in Armbanduhren - 100 Jahre Entwicklungsgeschichte by Kahlert, Mühe, Brunner, second edition p. 127.
This watch must be considered as one of the most attractive pink gold reference 1518 models ever to appear in public: it reveals the best of all ingredients this landmark model can possibly offer to any connoisseur collector.
The spectacular dial has never been restored or cosmetically enhanced in any way. The hard enamel signature and scales are, consequently, as raised as one would expect. The case impresses any beholder with its sharp angles and, in a most remarkable manner, with its full bodied lugs. This effect is the logical consequence of two reasons: the watch has not seen much wear and most importantly, was never exposed to careless polishing. The hallmarks are, of course, preserved as any demanding collector would require.
The combination of the incredibly attractive dial, freshness to the market and stunningly original and well preserved condition render this watch particularly appealing to the demanding collector.
Reference 1518 was launched in 1941 and according to literature, only 281 examples were made until 1954, the majority cased in yellow gold (see lot 62 in this auction). It was furthermore the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch produced in series by any watch company. The model was later replaced by reference 2499 (see lots 224 and 403 in this auction), also a perpetual calendar chronograph, but with a wider diameter and fluted lugs.
Reference 1518 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, first edition p. 231 pl. 386, second edition p. 303 pl. 459 and in Armbanduhren - 100 Jahre Entwicklungsgeschichte by Kahlert, Mühe, Brunner, second edition p. 127.