170 Patek Philippe A fresh to the market, highly important, and very rare, Perpetual calendar, moon phases chronograph wristwatch in yellow gold, with extract from the archives, reference 1518.

Estimate: € 500.000 –⁠ 1.000.000

The Patek Philippe reference 1518 is unequivocally a milestone. A monument. A manifesto of Patek Philippe’s vision, introduced in 1941 at a time when the world was uncertain and yet horological excellence marched boldly forward. The reference 1518 is the first perpetual calendar chronograph ever produced in series, an unprecedented achievement at the time, and one that forever changed the trajectory of complicated watchmaking. Produced in just 281 examples between 1941 and 1954, it remains one of the most storied and scrutinized models in the history of haute horlogerie. This particular 1518, cased in yellow gold, dates from 1948 and encapsulates the evolution of the reference with exquisite clarity. Its 35mm case, made by the revered Emile Vichet (hallmark key 9), retains superb proportions, thick lugs, and strong lines. Note the hallmark, crisp, under the upper left lug. Of extraordinary note is the provenance: this example comes from the family of the original owner and purchased at Hausmann & Co, having remained preserved across generations. Such continuity of ownership is becoming increasingly rare—and immensely desirable—for collectors who value untouched originality and unbroken history. Most fascinating of all is the dial — a sublime study in typographic transition. At first glance, it bears the revered Patek Philippe & Co long signature lay out, a hallmark that was officially discontinued in 1947. But look closer, and one discovers something far more elusive: a transitional layout, produced for only a fleeting moment in time. It retains the style of the full-length signature, yet it is already short, avoiding the final & Co predating the definitive shorter inscription that would soon follow. This brief, almost undocumented chapter in the maison’s dial evolution renders this very watch not only rare, but profoundly important. This timepiece is a custodian of one of horology’s most revered legacies. The 1518 is where it all began for the perpetual calendar chronograph. Without it, there would be no 2499, no 3970, no 5970, no 5270. To hold this watch is to hold the beginning of a lineage that has shaped modern watchmaking. The present timepiece is legible for Tortella & Sons’ deep study upon request of the client.