Ref. 1518An extremely well-preserved, important, and highly attractive pink gold perpetual chronograph wristwatch with tachymeter scale and moon phase
View our Conditions of Sale ., Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1950 Reference No: 1518 Movement No: 867’908 Case No: 663’692 Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13’’’, 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in pink gold in 1950 and its subsequent sale on September 23rd, 1953. Provenance: Sotheby’s Important Watches, Wristwatches and Clocks, New York, Tuesday June 20, 2000, lot 353. , Phillips is honored to offer this incredible pink gold perpetual calendar wristwatch that is, without a doubt, amongst the finest and best-preserved examples of a reference 1518 known to the public. Last seen in public in 2000, the watch has remained in one of the most important private American collections since that time, and is offered here once again in extraordinary condition. 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 courage. 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. 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. When introduced during the turmoil of World War II, the reference 1518’s design aesthetic was a new and modern look with clean lines, elegant proportions, and extended, curved lugs. The case, manufactured by Emile Vichet S. A. for Patek Philippe with Poinçon de Maître key 9, evolved over the course of its 14 year history. Patek’s exquisitely finished, manually wound caliber 13’’’130 Q is housed inside. The state of preservation of the present watch is awe-inspiring, with an impressive case that in our opinion has never been polished and hardly ever worn. Its perfect case proportions, crisp edges, lug definition, and factory brushed and polished surfaces are breathtaking to see – as it left the factory over 70 years ago. Its two strong and crisp hallmarks, one under the lug and one on the side of the case are sharp and well-defined, offering further proof of how well- kept this watch is, and a stunning feat, considering that so many surviving examples have been polished over through years of continuous wear. The silvered dial was never restored in our opinion having developed an attractive aging to the surface lacquer, and the signature, sub-dial printing, and all scales, are in beautiful, raised black enamel. Returning to the market after 23 years in the identical state of preservation as when it first appeared in 2000, the offering of this incredible Patek Philippe reference 1518 presents a rare opportunity for the most demanding and educated connoisseurs of the world’s finest wristwatches.
