Lot 168
  • 168

Patek Philippe

Estimate
200,000 - 300,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • A FINE AND RARE YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH REGISTER, TACHOMETER AND MOON-PHASES1945 REF 1518 MVT 863738 CASE 644099
  • diameter 35 mm
• 13''' nickel lever movement, 23 jewels, bi-metallic compensation balance, micrometer regulator, adjusted to eight positions • silvered dial, applied yellow gold Arabic numerals, yellow gold 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 in French, outer scales calibrated for 60 units and tachometer scale • 18k yellow gold circular case, two rectangular chronograph pushers, downturned lugs, engraving to the case back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

Condition

The movement is running, chronograph is functioning and calendar appears to advance properly, however the movement might require service and adjustment soon. The dial has been washed and some of the silver finish has come off as well as some of the hard enamel signature. There are some signs of discoloration and spotting surrounding some of the numerals, particularly 8, 10 and 11. The calendar wheels are aged differently than the dial - as they appear to have not been cleaned, and they are a bit darker in color than the dial. The case shows general wear with some general scuffs to the outside of the back and the lugs. The gold stamp to the bottom right lug is nice, deep and crisp. The engraved inscription to the outside of the back reads, 'Arthur M. Wirtz, 1420 Lake Shore Drive', which refers to his home address. This engraving is rubbed. Overall this is a nice watch in good condition. The case is in very nice condition. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please refer to Important Notices for further information.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1945 and sale on March 12th of the following year. Together with a fitted presentation box.

The present example is engraved with the name of its original owner, Arthur Wirtz. A Chicago native, he went on to graduate from the University of Michigan and became a major force in professional sports as the owner of the Chicago Bulls of the NBA and founder of the Chicago Black Hawks of the NHL. While his watch collection is not documented, one can imagine this exceptional Patek Philippe was purchased to commemorate a particularly successful business deal.

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 recognized that the introduction of reference 1518 greatly contributed to the manufacturer's dominant position in the Swiss watch-making 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). 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.

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