During the Rare Watches Geneva Live Sale on 7th November 2022, Christie’s Geneva will auction a rare Patek Philippe reference 1518 perpetual calendar chronograph. Appearing for the first time at auction, it is the only known example of a reference 1518 signed, numbered and certified by Cartier, one of the world’s most aristocratic jewellers.
This is an extremely fine, highly important and most probably unique Patek Philippe 18k gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch manufactured in 1944. It is the only known reference 1518 double-signed and certified by Cartier.
As such, it is of historic significance and naturally, one of the ultimate and most exclusive trophy watches of the reference. In addition to the signature ‘Cartier’ on the dial below the moon phase, the watch features the Cartier’s hand-stamped five-digit reference no. 17544 underneath the upper left lug.
Reference 1518 is not only the earliest Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch serially produced; it is the first produced by any manufacturer, ever. And ref. 1518 is the rarest. This particular combination of complications confirmed Patek Philippe’s pre-eminent position as the greatest watch brand in the world.
Only 281 were produced – in yellow and pink gold, as well as a few examples in steel – from 1941 to 1954. The unique Patek Philippe ref. 1518 perpetual calendar chronograph will be presented at Christie’s Rare Watches, a live auction on November 7th, 2022, at the Hotel des Bergues in Geneva.
Estimate: CHF1,500,000-2,500,000 (US$1,600,000-2,600,000 /€1,600,000-2,600,000)
