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Lot Essay
Reference 1579 takes a unique position in Patek Philippe's production of vintage chronograph wristwatches as it is not only one of the largest models with a diameter of 36mm but also the only example with the highly attractive facetted lugs. Launched in 1943, the model was predominantly available in yellow and pink gold, few examples were cased in stainless steel.
Reference 1579 was launched at the Basel fair in 1943 and remained in Patek Philippe catalogues until 1964. The three-piece cases were made by Wenger, one of the most celebrated case makers at the time, the dials were provided by the renowned Stern Frères, the movements based on the Valjoux 13''' ébauche, renamed by Patek Philippe caliber 13-130 after having been finished to highest standards in the firm’s workshops.
The chronograph wristwatch offered here is a very appealing early example of Patek Philippe's attractive “spider lugs” reference 1579. The present watch stands out as it comes from the very first year of production for this reference. An early reference 1579, the 1st series was manufactured from 1943 to 1949, with Arabic and baton numerals with baton or feuille hands such as the present watch. Notably, the crisp hallmark is still seen on the well preserved case side and the dial is in excellent condition with the long signature, correct for those in production before 1948.
According to research, less than 480 examples of the reference 1579 were produced and perhaps less than 180 are known to survive today.
The present watch was sold as part of the Mel Blanc Collection sale at Christie's New York, October 29, 1997 (lot 245).
Reference 1579 was launched at the Basel fair in 1943 and remained in Patek Philippe catalogues until 1964. The three-piece cases were made by Wenger, one of the most celebrated case makers at the time, the dials were provided by the renowned Stern Frères, the movements based on the Valjoux 13''' ébauche, renamed by Patek Philippe caliber 13-130 after having been finished to highest standards in the firm’s workshops.
The chronograph wristwatch offered here is a very appealing early example of Patek Philippe's attractive “spider lugs” reference 1579. The present watch stands out as it comes from the very first year of production for this reference. An early reference 1579, the 1st series was manufactured from 1943 to 1949, with Arabic and baton numerals with baton or feuille hands such as the present watch. Notably, the crisp hallmark is still seen on the well preserved case side and the dial is in excellent condition with the long signature, correct for those in production before 1948.
According to research, less than 480 examples of the reference 1579 were produced and perhaps less than 180 are known to survive today.
The present watch was sold as part of the Mel Blanc Collection sale at Christie's New York, October 29, 1997 (lot 245).