PATEK PHILIPPE | REF 1518YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASESMADE IN 1950

Dial: silveredCalibre: cal. 13-130 Q manual winding, 23 jewelsMovement number: 868'018Case: 18k yellow gold, snap-on backCase number: 668'379Closure: 18k yellow goldDimensions: 35.5mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on August 15th, 1952

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. The calendar and moon phases advancing. CASE: In extremely well preserved condition. There is a very crisp hallmark to the band at 7 o clock and a second hallmark under the lug at 2 o clock. The lugs still retain their full proportions and are nice and thick. With only the lightest surface wear the case of this 1518 can only be described as exceptional. DIAL: the dial in very good and charismatic condition. The signature is nicely raised in hard enamel, There is some minor oxidation surrounding the calendar windows and some watchmaker markings to the center of the subsidiary register. The crown is a later replacement. This is a terrific example of a gold reference 1518. 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."

So much is known about the reference 1518 already and a torrent of information regarding its importance, both historical and horological, is available. It does, however, always bear repeating as this reference represents perhaps the most significant milestone in modern watchmaking history. The watch above, simply on the merits of its complications, demands huge appreciation but, what is more, taking into consideration the time at which such a watch was produced (the midst of WWII) and how such a watch was manufactured, one cannot remain anything other than awe struck. The reference forces the observer to ask a fascinating question: how a watch so complicated can be so astoundingly beautiful? The key to this? Simplicity. While seemingly counter intuitive creating something simple is an incredibly complex feat. It is one, nonetheless, that Patek seem to have absolutely perfected and few things are testament to this as much as the reference above.

The case, of which approximately 215 were made in yellow gold, manufactured by Emile Vichet (as indicated by the Poinçon de Maître number 9 stamped on the inside case back) epitomises minimalism. Square pushers adorn the band flanking a prominent and very pleasing oversized crown, specific only to models manufactured after 1949, as with the present lot. Simple lugs and a solid snap-on case back is combined with a thin bezel which allows the dial clarity and dominance.

This 1518 is in extremely well preserved condition. The lugs are exceptionally think and the hallmarks to the band and under the lug are extremely crisp. The case has now developed a nice patina throughout and give the watch a great deal of character. The dial is free of any cosmetic intervention and has a lovely signature raised in hard enamel. Overall, this 1518 is one of the nicest to have appeared in recent years.