Patek Philippe

• cal. 13''' manual winding nickel lever movement, 23 jewels, bi metallic compensation balance • silvered dial, applied yellow gold Arabic numerals and square indexes, yellow gold Feuille hands, blued steel chronograph hand, subsidiary dials for constant seconds, and 30 minute register, outer minute and 1/5 second divisions, outermost tachometer scale • 18k yellow gold case, down turned faceted lugs, inscribed snap on case back • case, dial, and movement signed 

The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. Case in overall fair vintage condition with wear, markings, scuffing, and oxidation consistent with use and age. Bezel with wear and light scuffs. Oxidation to the case bands, especially between the pushers and crown and at the lip. Case back with wear and inscribed. A retailer adhesive is present and we cannot discern the inscription underneath. Lugs with wear and light marks. Back of lugs with some heavier wear and inconsistencies. Some small nicks to the lugs overall. Dial in good vintage condition. Likely washed as indicated by some vertical stripes. Light marks and debris. Fading to the logo. Fading to the tachometer scale at 12. Movement in fair condition with some areas of oxidation on the plate.
"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."

Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the year of manufacture in 1956, and sale on August 7th, 1957. 

With its distinctive lugs and square buttons, Ref. 1579 is among Patek Philippe's most iconic chronograph wristwatches. Launched in 1943, this model easily distinguished itself from other chronographs of the era due to its larger size and faceted lugs, which earned the name "spider lugs" due to their unique angular design.  The firm began to replace the original enamel baton indexes in 1950 with the applied square indexes seen on the present lot.  The 36 mm diameter of this reference is unusually large for vintage pieces, adding a timeless quality to each watch and making them more desirable today than when originally sold.

The movement of an example from this reference is illustrated in Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, Patek Philippe Wristwatches, vol. 2, 2nd ed., p. 265.