PATEK PHILIPPE
REFERENCE 1579 RETAILED BY GOBBI, MILANO: ‘SPIDER LUGS’, REF. 1579, PINK GOLD CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH CIRCA 1956
• Dial: silvered • Calibre: cal. 13’’ manual winding, 23 jewels • Movement number: 868’483 • Case: 18k pink gold, snap-on back
• Case number: 674’437 • Closure: associated crocodile strap and 18k pink gold Patek Philippe buckle
• Dimensions: 36 mm • Signed: case, dial and movement • Box: yes • Papers: yes
• Accessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, presentation case and Gobbi Certificate of Origin
Estimate: CHF 150,000 - 300,000 - € 146.815 - 293.631
Arguably one of Patek Philippe’s most iconic chronographs the reference 1579 began production in 1943. It is fair to say that the design of the 1579 was somewhat revolutionary when considering the aesthetic of many other men’s watches made during the same period. With a diameter of 36mm the case is oversized by the standard of the time in which it was produced, an attribute which in many resects makes it more desirable now than it was then. Secondly its striking, sharp faceted lugs - which were to earn it its nickname ‘Spider Lugs’ - provide a pleasingly brutal aesthetic, an aesthetic that is most discernable when the watch is being worn and used, and, one that is unique to this and its sister reference the 1578. It seems almost as though time stood still for this 1579 and it demonstrates a series of attributes which sets it apart from other examples.
Firstly it signed ‘Gobbi, Milano’ above 6 o’clock. This esteemed Italian retailer founded in 1842 quickly rose to prominence as one of Italy’s leading houses in luxury watches and, as such, were permitted by Patek Philippe to sign their watches also. Double signed watches such as this are incredibly scarce and a feature that is highly desirable by collectors the world over. Secondly, cased in pink gold, it belongs to less than 200 pieces ever made and of those less than 80 to reappear at auction, and to the best of our knowledge this watch is fresh to the market. What is more the watch has been preserved in astounding condition by the family of the original owner having kept the watch complete, not only with its original box and paperwork from Patek, but also the original pamphlets and certificate of origin from Gobbi themselves.