Patek Philippe

13''' damascened nickel lever movement, 23 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance, 8 adjustments, precision regulator •  silvered dial, applied gold Arabic and dot numerals, apertures for day and month, subsidiary dials for seconds, 30-minute register and date combined with phases of the moon, outer tachometer scale calibrated for miles •  18k gold case with scooped bezel, snap-on back •  case, dial and movement signed •  with an 18k gold Patek Philippe folding buckle 

The movement is running, all functions appear fully operational while cataloguing. Dial very attractive. Case slightly polished. This reference 1518 is very desirable for it is the first reference to combine both perpetual calendar and chronograph functions. Overall very attractive example.
"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 production in 1945 and sale on December 7th, 1946.

The 1518 played an extremely important part in the development of Patek Philippe's complication wristwatches. Together with reference 1526, it was the first perpetual calendar ever produced by the company in series. It is recognised that the introduction of reference 1518 greatly contributed to the manufacturer's dominant position in the Swiss watch making industry. Indeed, the series produced perpetual calendar was 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). 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 65 years. Interestingly, the current perpetual calendar chronograph reference, 5970, once again uses square pushers in an echo of the 1518 and the first series 2499. 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. 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.