- Conditions of Sale
- FAQs
- This lot is offered by Christie's IncChristie's Inc
20 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, 10020, USA
Phone: +1 212 636 2000
Fax: +1 212 636 2399
Brought to you by
Remi GuilleminHead of Watches, Europe and Americas
Lot Essay
A total of only 281 examples were produced in total. The model was later replaced by the reference 2499, and has inspired the design for subsequent perpetual calendar chronographs.
As the first perpetual chronograph to be made in series by any maker, the reference 1518 quickly attracted the attention of royalty and the privileged, including King Farouk of Egypt, the King of Jordan, and of course Henry Graves, Jr., arguably the greatest watch collector of the 20th century. Interesting, approximately half of all reference 1518s were sold to America during its short production run and watches, and examples such as the presently offered watch, were bought by Americans who wanted to buy the best that money could buy.
The 1518 was a design first, setting the template for all of its ‘descendants’ with its basic layout — apertures at 12, two subsidiary dials at 9 and 3, and a moonphase at 6.
Its square push buttons, attractive mid-century aesthetic, and beautiful raised enamel dial tachymeter make this watch the timepiece of choice for experienced collectors today.
The reference 1518 is now a treasured and collectible timepiece, seen by many Patek Philippe connoisseurs as the crown jewel of their collection.
Examples of reference 1518 are illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by M. Huber & A. Banbery, 1998, plate 386, page 231.
As the first perpetual chronograph to be made in series by any maker, the reference 1518 quickly attracted the attention of royalty and the privileged, including King Farouk of Egypt, the King of Jordan, and of course Henry Graves, Jr., arguably the greatest watch collector of the 20th century. Interesting, approximately half of all reference 1518s were sold to America during its short production run and watches, and examples such as the presently offered watch, were bought by Americans who wanted to buy the best that money could buy.
The 1518 was a design first, setting the template for all of its ‘descendants’ with its basic layout — apertures at 12, two subsidiary dials at 9 and 3, and a moonphase at 6.
Its square push buttons, attractive mid-century aesthetic, and beautiful raised enamel dial tachymeter make this watch the timepiece of choice for experienced collectors today.
The reference 1518 is now a treasured and collectible timepiece, seen by many Patek Philippe connoisseurs as the crown jewel of their collection.
Examples of reference 1518 are illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by M. Huber & A. Banbery, 1998, plate 386, page 231.
Related Articles
Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.
Lot 236
Sale 20481
.jpg?mode=max&width=600)
PATEK PHILIPPE, GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH, REF. 1518
Estimate: USD 150,000 - 250,000
Bid amount
Buyer's premium
Estimated total cost exclusive of duties