Patek Philippe
Ref. 1518 “Big Arabic”, circa 1943
PATEK PHILIPPE
Ref. 1518 "Big Arabic", n° 863336 / 633141
Around 1943
Wrist chronograph in 18k (750) yellow gold with perpetual calendar and moon phases
Case: round, correctors on the middle, two rectangular pushers, clipped back, guarantee hallmark for importation into France, numbered and signed
Dial: matt silver, applied Arabic numerals called "Big Arabic", 2 counters for the 30 minutes and the seconds, double window opening for the days of the week and the months, auxiliary dial for the date, opening for the phases of the moon, railroad timer, 1/5th of a second graduation, tachymeter scale, signed
Movement: mechanical, cal. 13', 23 jewels, stamped with the Geneva hallmark, "Côte de Genève" decoration, 8 adjustments, cut bi-metallic balance wheel, micrometric adjustment, signed
Buckle: gold pin, logo
Diam. 35mm
Gross weight: 64.65g.
With: an extract from the Registers confirming the date of production in 1943 and its sale on August 4, 1945, a modern adjustment stylus and case
Preserved in the family of the original owner since its acquisition in 1945
A 18k yellow gold manual winding chronograph wristwatch with perpetual calendar and moon phases indication, gold buckle branded. With a setting pin, a Patek Philippe extract from the archives confirming the production of the present watch in 1943 and its subsequent sale on August 4, 1945, a presentation case (modern)
Kept in the family since its purchase by the original owner in 1945
CONDITION REPORT:
When the catalog was written, the movement was working (+5 seconds/day). Please note that timing accuracy is not guaranteed and Artcurial cannot be held responsible for any repair costs.
French version.
Beautiful state of preservation, extremely rare to find with this provenance since 1945,
Slight signs of polishing on the case, hallmarks still clearly visible, that of the case middle more faded than the others
Very interesting the affixing of the Swiss and French guarantee hallmarks on the middle and inside the back, they are clearly visible.
Some scratches and traces of use on the case due to normal use by its original owner.
A very slight scratch visible on the glass at 12 o'clock, but easily polishable.
Dial with sign of cleaning, the crucible of the counters still well marked as well as the relief of the inscriptions on the dial, traces of wear in the opening of the moon phases.
Movement with the clearly visible affixing of the hallmark of Geneva, on one of the bridges, which is unusual and rare, the supreme quality standard of the movement.
This watch has always been subject to revisions by its owner directly in the workshops of the Patek Philippe factory, Geneva, the last carried out in 1996.
This watch received a full service in 1996 from the Patek Philippe workshops, where it has always been maintained since its acquisition.
We warn our potential buyers that the bracelets made of the dermis of protected species are presented but not sold with the watches. Artcurial reserves the right to remove these bracelets in the event of importation.
POSTPONEMENT CONDITION:
At the time of cataloging the movement is ticking (+5 seconds/day). Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Artcurial will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be required.
Overall well preserved and extremely rare to find on with this provenance since 1945.
Small signs of polishing on the case, hallmarks still strongly visible, the one on the edger more worn than others.
Very interesting the display of French and Swiss hallmarks both on the side of the case and inside snap back, they are still very visible.
A few signs of wear and scuffs on the case due to normal use by its original owner.
A very small scuff on the glass at 12h but easily polishable.
Dial gently cleaned, deepness of register is still very visible as well as inscriptions on the dial, signs of wear near the moon phase aperture.
Movement stamped with Geneva hallmark, on one of the bridges, which is unusual and rare, norm of supreme quality for the movement.
This watch was always serviced directly at the Patek Philippe Manufacture, Geneva, latest one done in 1996.
Last service in 1996 by Patek Philippe. This chronograph has always been serviced by Patek Phillippe since 1945.
Please be advised that straps made of material derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (ie. Alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these straps prior to shipping
This watch is undoubtedly a historical discovery because it has been carefully preserved by its owner from the start. Not only is it a Patek Philippe with perpetual calendar and chronograph, but it is distinguished above all by its oversized Arabic numerals called Big Arabic.
If the reference of this watch under the numbers 1518 is to date one of the most sought-after trophies by collectors, our example could also appear in the list of the rarest examples or even unique in its kind because issued for the French market. , as evidenced by the affixing of the guarantee hallmarks inside the case.
This discovery adds to the limited circle of a handful of pieces that have passed on the auction market in recent years, our example being one of a kind with both the guarantee stamp for importation into France on the caseback as well as as the affixing of the hallmark of Geneva on the movement. The last similar with a direct provenance from its original owner having been sold by Sotheby's in Geneva, lot 127, on May 16, 2006.
The reference 1518 played a predominant role in the history of the wristwatch in the 20th century because it was the first grand complication equipped with a perpetual calendar and chronograph produced in series by Patek Philippe from 1941 until 1954. only 281 copies with a few extremely rare variants like our copy.
Our example bears the key of the manufacturer Emile Vichet inside the case back, which is estimated to have only manufactured 215 yellow gold cases over the entire production period of the reference 1518
Also, the affixing of the hallmark of Geneva on the movement is a distinctive sign which testifies to the dexterity of the Patek Philippe manufacture in producing the most beautiful watches equipped with exceptional movements, which testifies to the importance of this piece which has many advantages for the discerning eye of the collector.
Our example sold on August 4, 1945, the same year as the famous reference 1518 sold to King Farouk on November 7, 1945, also reminds us that these watches at the time were intended for enlightened amateurs who saw in the watchmaking mechanics of this watch complications the quintessence of the art of watchmaking.
In the collections of the Patek Philippe Museum there is a similar model described as Perpetual calendar and chronograph wristwatch with special dial having been delivered at the time to the famous Swiss retailer, Beyer in Zurich, on October 9, 1942 (Inv. P-696).
The watch of a lifetime is undoubtedly the most evocative title that can be given to this historic Patek Philippe 1518 Big Arabic piece which is much more than a simple wristwatch but above all a testimony to the importance of wristwatch since the second half of the 20th century.
Literature.
Patek Philippe Museum, Volume II, Chronograph and Perpetual Calendar Watches, p. 302.
Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, first edition p. 231 pl. 386, second edition p. 303 pl. 459.
Patek Philippe, Complicated wristwatches, Complicated wristwatches, by Negretti, G. de Vecchi, p. 106-107.
This watch is undoubtedly a historical discovery because it has been treasured by its owner since the beginning. Not only is it a Patek Philippe with perpetual calendar and chronograph, but it is especially distinguished by its oversized Arabic numerals so called "Big Arabic".
If the reference of this watch under the numbers 1518 is to this day one of the most sought after trophies by collectors, our example could also appear in the list of the rare examples or even one of a kind because issued for the French market, as evidenced by the affixing of the French import hall marks inside the case.
This discovery is added to the small circle of a handful of pieces passed in recent years on the auction market our example being one of a kind with both the French hallmarks for importation into France on the caseback as well as the Geneva seal stamped on a bridge on the movement. The last similar one with a direct line provenance of its original owner having been sold by Sotheby's in Geneva, lot 127, on May 16, 2006.
The reference 1518 played a predominant role in the history of the wristwatch in the 20th century because it was the first major complication with a perpetual calendar and chronograph produced in series by Patek Philippe from 1941 until 1954. only 281 examples with few extremely rare variants like our example.
Our example bears the key of the case manufacturer Emile Vichet inside the case back, of which it is estimated that he made only 215 yellow gold cases during the entire production period of the reference 1518.
Also, the stamping of the Geneva seal on the movement is a distinctive sign which testifies to the dexterity of the Patek Philippe manufacture to produce the most beautiful watches equipped with exceptional movements, which testifies to the importance of this piece which has very many assets for the discerning eye of the collector.
Our example sold on August 4, 1945, the same year as the famous reference 1518 sold to King Farouk on November 7, 1945, also recalls that these watches at the time were intended for great and enlightened amateurs who saw in the watchmaking mechanics of this watch. all the quintessence of the art of watchmaking.
In the collections of the Patek Philippe Museum there is a similar model described as a perpetual calendar and chronograph wristwatch with special dial which was issued at the time to the famous Swiss dealer Beyer in Zurich on October 9, 1942 (Inv. P-696) .
The Watch of a Lifetime is undoubtedly the most evocative title that we can give to this historic piece Patek Philippe 1518 Big Arabic which is much more than a simple wristwatch but above all a testimony to the importance of wristwatch since the second half of the 20th century .
Estimate €300,000 - 600,000
Sold €883,000
* Results are displayed including buyer's fees and taxes. They are generated automatically and can be modified.
