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.  The present example belongs to the earlier series of production which is identified by the hard enamel indexes and numerals.

Highlighting the present watch even further is the mechanism which features the rare indirect center seconds. Scholarship suggests that less than 100 pieces were produced with the sweep seconds, with the majority being in pink gold. This piece is a rare opportunity to get such a beautiful reference with such a configuration.