Patek Philippe
Ref. 1518
An exceedingly rare, important and attractive pink gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moonphases
Manufacturer : Patek Philippe
Year : 1951
Reference No : 1518
Movement No : 868'089
Case No : 668'398
Material : 18K pink gold
Calibre : Manual, cal. 13’’’, 23 jewels
Bracelet/Strap : Leather
Clasp/Buckle : 18K pink gold Patek Philippe pin buckle stamped PPCo
Dimensions : 35mm Diameter
Signed : Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Accessories : Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production with raised hour markers in gold in 1951 and sale on July 2nd, 1953 Truly a monumental model, reference 1518 was the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch ever produced in series when it was introduced in 1941. According to research, only 281 examples were manufactured until the reference ceased production in 1954. It paved the way for successors references 2499, 3970, 5970 and finally, 5270, which features an in-house movement used inside.
In 1941, during the turmoil of World War II, a small but momentous event took place in Basel, Switzerland, which forever changed Swiss watch manufacturing. It was at the Basel Watch Fair that Patek Philippe introduced what was a revolutionary wristwatch – the reference 1518. It was the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch ever produced by any brand, and in those uncertain times, demonstrated the brand’s remarkable boldness. Now considered an important milestone wristwatch in horological history, the reference 1518 set the course for Patek Philippe’s dominance in the world of high-end Swiss watchmaking. So ahead of its time was its design, Patek Philippe continues to use its timeless aesthetic as the foundation for a long line of successful and highly sought-after complicated wristwatches, including the references 2499, 3970, 5970, and even today’s 5270. This revolutionary model is a must-have for any serious collector of vintage Patek Philippe watches. It ticks all the boxes that collectors seek in a legendary vintage watch. With only four known in stainless steel, the majority of 1518s were encased in yellow gold, and only a small number cased in pink gold, making the present watch exceedingly rare.
Only having appeared on the market twice - once in 1985 and again in 2011, the present timepiece has been kept in a safe ever since its acquisition at auction over a decade ago. This timepiece is preserved in noteworthy condition - the case is also remarkable and displays contrasting satin and polished finishes. The hallmark on the caseband is crisp, defined and sharp, as is the second hallmark beneath the lug.
According to research, only 281 examples of the reference were manufactured until the reference ceased production in 1954 - a remarkably small output for such an extended period of time, mandated by the complexity of the timepiece. Already back then, such a limited production meant that these watches were reserved for the very best clients of the firm.
