Patek Philippe

The mid 20th century saw some of Patek Philippe's most exquisite case designs and the Reference 1491 was no exception. A whimsical reimagination of the classic gentlemen’s dress watch, the Reference 1491 delights with the addition of scroll lugs best enjoyed when viewed from the sides. Produced between 1940 to at least 1965, and nicknamed 'Ricciolo' or curl in Italian, the scroll lugs are the defining feature of this reference.

The inside case back typically bears the Genevan Poinçons de Maître Key No. 8 stamped under the case number representing the case maker Markowski. Markowski is known as one of the case makers behind many of Patek Philippe’s rare and collectible designs from the period, who along with our present Reference 1491, was responsible for crafting the Reference 3424 Gilbert Albert, and the Reference 2442 Marilyn Monroe. The cases that came out of Markowski’s workshop are noted to have been exceptionally executed in terms of the complexity of the design despite simplicity in form.

Less than 400 examples of all variations of the Reference 1491 were made from 1940-1965, mostly in yellow and pink gold, and few are as astonishingly well preserved as our present example that comes directly from the family of the original owner. While the design of the lugs on Reference 1491 makes the case more sensitive to polishing, the scroll lugs on our present lot maintain strong proportions and sharp edges, with a superbly crisp assay mark on the back of the bottom left lug, and an engraved case back, a gift from father to son, celebrating a milestone of the original owner.

A wonderful example of Patek Philippe's beautiful case architecture, we are pleased to offer the present lot that has been faithfully preserved for more than half a century.