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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1948 and its subsequent sale on November 23rd of the same year.
In 1941 Patek Philippe introduced the reference 1518 to the market. This now treasured and collectible timepiece was the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch to be manufactured in series by any firm in the world, and remained in production until 1954 when it was succeeded by the reference 2499. Only 281 examples of this renowned wristwatch were made in total.
There were four different series of the reference 1518, each of which was classified by defining characteristics on the dial. The first series was designed with applied gold Arabic numerals. When the second series was introduced at the Basel Fair, the dial was changed to feature enameled hour indexes and the 12 as an applied gold Arabic numeral. The third series again showcased the 12 as applied gold Arabic numeral, but the hour indexes were now in applied gold. Finally, the fourth series had only applied gold indexes, and is exemplified by the present lot.
Examples of the reference 1518 are illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by M. Huber & A. Banbery, first edition, p. 231 pl. 386 and second edition, p. 303, pl. 459
In 1941 Patek Philippe introduced the reference 1518 to the market. This now treasured and collectible timepiece was the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch to be manufactured in series by any firm in the world, and remained in production until 1954 when it was succeeded by the reference 2499. Only 281 examples of this renowned wristwatch were made in total.
There were four different series of the reference 1518, each of which was classified by defining characteristics on the dial. The first series was designed with applied gold Arabic numerals. When the second series was introduced at the Basel Fair, the dial was changed to feature enameled hour indexes and the 12 as an applied gold Arabic numeral. The third series again showcased the 12 as applied gold Arabic numeral, but the hour indexes were now in applied gold. Finally, the fourth series had only applied gold indexes, and is exemplified by the present lot.
Examples of the reference 1518 are illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by M. Huber & A. Banbery, first edition, p. 231 pl. 386 and second edition, p. 303, pl. 459