30 Patek Philippe Fine and Charming, Spider Lugs, Wristwatch in Pink Gold, Black Dial, With Extract from the Archives, Reference 1578

Estimate: €15,000 –⁠ 30,000

Model: Spider Lugs
Reference: 1578
Case Material: Pink Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1950
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 12–120
Case N°: 660 442
Movement N°: 966 153
Dimensions: 35 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Extract from the Archives

Patek Philippe has always been very careful to the needs and demands of its customers: some of them in fact prefer watches with complications and with cases richer in detail while others instead seek simpler and more essential models, with clean and elegant cases. Therefore, it will be for this reason that Patek Philippe of some of its models has decided to create a more complex and a simpler version, so as to satisfy everyone’s tastes. It is quite common to see the same case offered in two different versions and with different functionalities: a perfect example is provided by the two references 1578 and 1579. The 1579 is in fact the chronograph version of 1578 which, instead, is a “time-only” watch yet the case that makes them up has the same design except, of course, for the two chronometric pushers. The model offered here is a beautiful and rare specimen of 1578, also known as “spider lugs” or alternatively called “anse a ragno” by Italians collectors for the particular profile of the case that reminds precisely that of a spider. The lugs of this watch have in fact an absolutely unusual shape, characterized by very prominent edges which, over time, tend to wear out. It is therefore increasingly difficult to find specimens in good condition and with crisp edges, which is why the lot offered here is an object of absolute desire. It is still extremely fresh and the well-preserved case in rose gold shows limited signs of wear and on the back is the engraving G.M.O.O — J. F. O’Connor — 1925–1950. The first four letters stands for General Motors Overseas Operations since this model was selected by the management of General Motor as a gift for the managers sent to work overseas, hence the acronym GMOO. In addition to the rarity guaranteed by the reference, this watch also features the always very appreciated and difficult to find black dial. Excellently aged, this dial features dagger and dot numerals with beautifully oxidized dauphine hands. Its iconic look, technical proficiency and overall rarity make this piece highly appealing. With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with black dial, applied gold hour markers in 1950 and its subsequent sale on 11 October 1950.