Important Watches: Part I
Important Watches: Part I
Patek Philippe
'Fagiolino', Reference 591 | A yellow gold chronograph wristwatch | Made in 1940
Auction Closed
May 12, 11:39 AM GMT
Estimate
40,000 - 80,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
Dial: silvered
Calibre: cal. 13-130 manual winding, 23 jewels
Movement number: 862'550
Case: 18k yellow gold, snap-on case back
Case number: 622'755
Closure: 18k yellow gold unsigned buckle
Size: 34 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on May 26, 1941
Produced between 1938 and 1947, the reference 591 is one of the lesser known chronographs from Patek Philippe. In fact, this is also due to the small production numbers of this watch. Over its 9 year production run, only 100 pieces came out of the manufacture. It is believed that 40 pieces were made in yellow gold and 60 in pink gold.
One of the very distinctive traits of the reference 591 is the lugs that are of a similar shape as the pushers. That shape has lead the collectors to nickname the watch 'Fagiolino', italian for 'small green bean'.
The cases were supplied by Wenger, one of the great case makers in Geneva. Wenger is also know for having produced the cases for the references 1579, 2497 and 2944.
It is only rarely that such an elusive reference appears on the market. It is a rare occasion to acquire this timepiece that time seems to have spared.