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Lot Essay
Confirmed by the Patek Philippe and Beyer Extracts from the Archives, along with its original pink gold buckle, the present Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 1578 with black dial is only one of a handful of known examples manufactured in 18k pink gold, making it an exquisite and rare timepiece to acquire.
Reference 1578
Manufactured from approximately 1943 to 1965, the reference 1578, along with its sister reference 1579 (chronograph version) are distinctive and exquisite, thanks to their elaborate cases with 'Spider' lugs, giving them their beloved nickname. The cases were manufactured by Wenger (Geneva Key 1). Early models feature subsidiary seconds and are powered by the caliber 12-400, such as in the present lot, while the later models feature sweeping center seconds and are powered by the caliber 27 SC. While the majority of 1578s were manufactured in yellow gold with silvered dials, the most collectible and desirable versions feature black dials with pink gold cases, such as the present lot. Less than a handful are known with this configuration. The majority of the black dial production was made for General Motors Overseas Operations (GMOO) as anniversary gifts for important employees to celebrate 25 years of service. They are designated as reference 1578GM (for General Motors) and have engraved casebacks.
Reference 1578
Manufactured from approximately 1943 to 1965, the reference 1578, along with its sister reference 1579 (chronograph version) are distinctive and exquisite, thanks to their elaborate cases with 'Spider' lugs, giving them their beloved nickname. The cases were manufactured by Wenger (Geneva Key 1). Early models feature subsidiary seconds and are powered by the caliber 12-400, such as in the present lot, while the later models feature sweeping center seconds and are powered by the caliber 27 SC. While the majority of 1578s were manufactured in yellow gold with silvered dials, the most collectible and desirable versions feature black dials with pink gold cases, such as the present lot. Less than a handful are known with this configuration. The majority of the black dial production was made for General Motors Overseas Operations (GMOO) as anniversary gifts for important employees to celebrate 25 years of service. They are designated as reference 1578GM (for General Motors) and have engraved casebacks.