Patek Philippe

• cal. 13''' manual winding movement, 23 jewels • silvered dial, applied gold Arabic numerals, feuille hands, two subsidiary dials indicating constant seconds and 30-minute register, fan-form aperture for moon-phases combined with date, apertures for day and month, outer scales calibrated for 60 units and tachometer scale • two rectangular chronograph pushers, downturned lugs, snap back • case, dial and movement signed • 18k yellow gold modern Patek Philippe buckle

A spectacularly untouched example of a Ref. 1518. Movement beautifuly preserved in original condition, has not been cleaned or overhauled in decades and preserved in mint condition. Inside of caseback with no repair marks and original finish. Case with rich patina and heavy thick lugs retaining original attractive proportions that is rarely seen on most surviving examples. Dial with surface scratches and with original enamel intact. The dial has not been refinished. Original crown and original push buttons. Running but oil dry since it has not been overhauled. Will require cleaning and overhaul if desired.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming sale on May 11th, 1954.

Recently discovered tucked away in a cigarette case hidden in a closet for decades, the presently offered Reference 1518 offers the connoisseur the opportunity to own an example of this iconic reference in a condition untouched by modern hands.

The originality of this watch is underscored by the extremely well preserved case with incredibly full lugs and deep and detailed hallmarks. The unrestored dial retains its original enamel and the equally unrestored yet beautifully preserved movement retains its original parts, including original screws and original balance wheel.

The 1518 played a critical role in the development of Patek Philippe's complicated wristwatches. Together with reference 1526, it was the first perpetual calendar wristwatch ever produced by the company in series. It is recognized that the introduction of reference 1518 greatly contributed to the manufacturer's dominant position in the Swiss watchmaking industry. Indeed, perpetual calendar wristwatches produced in series were almost exclusively a Patek Philippe commodity for four decades (other manufacturers tending not to list or distribute the complication other than for special orders).

The influence of reference 1518 can be seen in all the series produced Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronographs that came after it (2499, 3970, 5970, 5270). Even though the case design changed in the references which followed, the basic dial layout remained the same. In the same way, the functions of the movement have not changed in 70 years.

The 1518 was equipped with a Valjoux calibre 13Q (13 130Q) which was first upgraded and finished to the highest standards for the time in Patek Philippe's workshop. Then, Victorin Piguet was employed to modify the under dial work and incorporate the perpetual calendar function. It was not until 1985 that Patek Philippe replaced the Valjoux for a Lemania calibre in its perpetual calendar wristwatches. With the new Ref. 5270, the Lemania caliber was replaced with the fully in-house caliber CH-29-535 PSQ.

From 1941 to 1954, a total of 281 reference 1518 wristwatches were made, an incredibly small production run by today's standards and an average of just 20 watches a year.

For a discussion of Ref. 1518, see Reardon, J. Patek Philippe in America, pp. 117-8.