Patek Philippe. An 18k Gold Wristwatch with Center Seconds and Scrolled Lugs

With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1951 and its subsequent sale on May 7th of the following year.

Reference 1491 was launched in 1940 and made in two versions, the first series with caliber 27 and subsidiary seconds, the second, such as the present watch, as of 1943 with caliber 12''' SC movement and indirect center seconds. The model is distinguished by its highly decorative scroll lugs, demonstrating Patek Philippe avant-garde spirit by using varying shapes and forms, breaking away from the straight-forward circular shape with plain lugs. Inspiration from architecture, geometry and history created a new graciousness of form with rounded corners, stepped and triple-stepped forms and other elements, like scrolls.

The ébauche of the famous caliber 27 with indirect center seconds was the result of Louis Cottier's and Patek Philippe's collaboration, where the center seconds mechanism was ingeniously added to the existing 12'''120 subsidiary seconds movement.