44 Patek Philippe Extremely Rare, Well Preserved, Perpetual Calendar, Moon Phases Chronograph Wristwatch, in Yellow Gold, With Extract From the Archives, Reference 1518

Estimate: €500,000 –⁠ 1,000,000

Model: Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
Reference: 1518
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 1949
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 13″
Case N°: 661 072
Movement N°: 867754
Dimensions: 35 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Extract from the Archives, Mr. Tortella and sons "deep-study" documentation

“How in such a limited space could we add an apparatus showing the chronograph, the phases of the moon and the calendar?” These words were used in Patek Philippe’s press release dated July 1, 1949. It is interesting to note that although this model was first launched in 1941 and produced in small numbers before and during the war, the first promotion of the reference 1518 began in 1949. Reference 1518 is without a doubt one of Patek Philippe’s most important complicated wristwatch models and was not only the firm’s first wristwatch to feature a chronograph and a perpetual calendar, but also was the world’s first made in series. The watch paved the way for subsequent models such as the references 2499, 3970, 5970 and 5270. It remained in production until 1954 and research suggests that in 14-year production run, a total of 281 examples were made, 215 in yellow gold, such as the present watch, only 4 in stainless steel and 58 in pink gold. The dial of this reference balances the chronograph with the 1/5 seconds scale and the indications of the day, date, and month in an exceptional way, defining the look for many complicated Patek wristwatches that followed. The cases were usually supplied by the renowned casemaker Emile Vichet S.A., demonstrated by the Poinçon de Maître key 9, also known as a collective responsibility mark, found beneath the reference and case number on the inner case back (exactly like the present watch). The case architecture slightly changes from early examples (1941 – 1945) to later (1946 – 1953) watches. Early cases feature a flatter appearance with a smaller crown and the positioning of the pushers was slightly higher. Later examples of the reference had lugs that were slightly more tapered, the crown is larger and the chronographic pushers sit lower. The movement is the manually wound caliber 13’’, one of Patek’s most prized creations. Regarding this specific watch, another extremely important detail is the presence of the period-correct yellow-gold bracelet that perfectly matches the case. This reference is one of the most highly prized amongst perpetual calendar chronographs with moon phases and is a must-have for collectors of complicated wristwatches. With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 18 kt yellow gold in 1949 and its subsequent sale on 28 May 1951. We are grateful to Mr. Tortella and sons for the "deep-study" documentation.