Patek Philippe. A Very Fine and Rare 18k Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Wristwatch with Moon Phases

Prospective purchasers are advised that several co… Read more

VARIOUS PROPERTIES

Patek Philippe. A Very Fine and Rare 18k Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Wristwatch with Moon Phases

SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENÈVE, REF. 1518, MOVEMENT NO. 863'712, CASE NO. 644'109, MANUFACTURED IN 1946

Details

Patek Philippe. A Very Fine and Rare 18k Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Wristwatch with Moon Phases
Signed Patek Philippe, Genève, Ref. 1518, Movement No. 863'712, Case No. 644'109, Manufactured in 1946
Cal. 13''' mechanical movement, stamped with the Geneva Seal, 23 jewels, silvered matte dial, applied gold Arabic numerals, outer railway five minute divisions and tachometer scale, day and month apertures in French below 12 o'clock, three subsidiary dials for 30 minute register, constant seconds, and date combined with phases of the moon, circular case, downturned lugs, two rectangular chronograph buttons in the band, snap on case back, 18k gold Patek Philippe buckle, case, dial, and movement signed
35mm diam.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country. On occasion, Christie's has a direct financial interest in the outcome of the sale of certain lots consigned for sale. This will usually be where it has guaranteed to the Seller that whatever the outcome of the auction, the Seller will receive a minimum sale price for the work. This is known as a minimum price guarantee. This is such a lot.

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

Lot Essay

With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1946 and its subsequent sale on July 12th of 1948.

Patek Philippe produced the reference 1518 from 1941 until approximately 1954, and was the first perpetual calendar chronograph to be manufactured in series by any firm in the world. Only 281 examples of this reference were produced in total. The present example is one of the most original examples to come to the market, is very well preserved, and in our opinion has never been polished or restored in any way. In today's world, examples of vintage complicated wristwatches that are in such original condition are incredibly rare, and represent an opportunity for any purist to add to their collection a watch that is in as close as possible condition to when it was originally sold.

Reference 1518 was succeeded by the reference 2499, and subsequently references 3970, 5970, and 5270, all of which drew clear inspiration from the legendary reference 1518.

Examples of reference 1518 are illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by M. Huber & A. Banbery, 1998, plate 386, page 231.

More from Important Watches

View All