Patek Philippe

• cal. 13''' manual winding lever movement, 23 jewels • silvered dial, applied yellow gold Arabic numerals and dot indexes, outer minute track with 1/5 seconds divisions, outermost tachymeter scale calibrated for 600 units, subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute register, and date combined with moon phases, twin apertures for day and month • 18k yellow gold case, snap-on back • case, dial and movement signed 

Movement running at the time of catlaoguing. The dial, likely sympathetically restored, with loss to the signature, and 30 minute register. The case likely polished, with signs of wear consistent with age and use. Light surface scratches throughout, small dent to the lug at 1. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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.  The Ref. 1518 played a critical role in the development of Patek Philippe's complicated wristwatches. Together with Ref. 1526, it was the first perpetual calendar wristwatch ever produced by the company in series. It is recognized that the introduction of Ref. 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 the Ref. 1518 can be seen in all the series-produced Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronographs that came after it (Refs. 2499, 3970, 5970, 5270). Even though the case design changed in the references that followed, the basic dial layout remained the same. Similarly, the functions of the movement have not changed in 70 years.

The Ref. 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 calibre CH-29-535 PSQ.

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