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Lot 169 Property of an Important Italian Collector
Patek Philippe. A fine and rare 18K gold chronograph wristwatch
Signed Patek Philippe, Genève, Ref. 1579, movement no. 867'976, case no. 660’213, manufactured in 1950
Closed16 May 2016
Price Realised
CHF 62,500
More Information
Specialist note
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with raised gold indexes in 1950 and its subsequent sale on 7 June 1951.
This second series model of the very rare reference 1579 “spider lugs” chronograph is a mellow and unmolested example. The gold of the 36 mm case has deepened to a rich even tone having had only minimal polishing over the past 65 years. Probably cleaned many years ago, the classic second series dial with hard enamel “chemin de fer” scales, applied gold numerals and square indexes has aged naturally giving individual character to the piece. As with most Patek Philippe chronographs of the period, it is fitted with the famous caliber 13’’’130 movement finished to the highest standard.
According to research, less than 480 examples of the reference 1579 were produced and perhaps less than 180 are known to survive today. The cases were all made by Wenger, one of the very best case makers in Geneva at the time. Dating from 1950, the present watch is an early example of the second series dial type which only appeared in the Patek Philippe catalogue that same year.
This second series model of the very rare reference 1579 “spider lugs” chronograph is a mellow and unmolested example. The gold of the 36 mm case has deepened to a rich even tone having had only minimal polishing over the past 65 years. Probably cleaned many years ago, the classic second series dial with hard enamel “chemin de fer” scales, applied gold numerals and square indexes has aged naturally giving individual character to the piece. As with most Patek Philippe chronographs of the period, it is fitted with the famous caliber 13’’’130 movement finished to the highest standard.
According to research, less than 480 examples of the reference 1579 were produced and perhaps less than 180 are known to survive today. The cases were all made by Wenger, one of the very best case makers in Geneva at the time. Dating from 1950, the present watch is an early example of the second series dial type which only appeared in the Patek Philippe catalogue that same year.