Beschreibung:

Patek Philippe Ref. 1518
Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1948 Reference No: 1518 Movement No: 867'534 Case No: 657'242 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13'''130 Q, 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold PPCo pin buckle Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture of the watch in 1948 and its subsequent sale on June 16th, 1950. Literature: Reference 1518 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, first edition p. 231 pl. 386, second edition p. 303 pl. 459. Catalogue Essay Rarely has a timepiece had such an impact on watchmaking. Not only is Patek Philippe’s reference 1518, launched in 1941, the very first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch to be made in series, and not only did it set the design elements used by Patek Philippe in all of its subsequent perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches, it also set the benchmark for the market. Patek Philippe was the only manufacture offering this complication for close to 40 years! Scholarship indicates that only 281 examples of reference 1518 were made between 1941 and 1954, in yellow and pink gold as well as only four in stainless steel. The present lot is a very attractive example of this horological milestone. The masculine case has wonderful presence with its long lugs and wide opening for the dial enhancing the impression of size. The dial bewilders with its silver sheen, perfectly crisp printing and overall impressive condition. Patek’s exquisitely finished, manually-wound caliber 13’’’130 Q beats within and the Geneva seal indicates the painstaking and exquisite finishing applied to each and every component. Renowned casemaker, Emile Vichet S.A., was responsible for manufacturing cases for some of Patek Philippe’s most coveted references. It is evident that Vichet was the casemaker for the present lot as indicated by the Poinçon de Maître key 9, also known as a collective responsibility mark, found beneath the reference and case number on the inner caseback. This reference 1518 has remained in an important private collection since its purchase at auction in 1987 and is returning back to the market 30 years later. The present lot does not only represent and exceptional example of Patek Philippes unparalleled mechanical expertise but is also a landmark in horological design. Read More