Up for sale, reluctantly, is my Patek Philippe 1578R manual wind Calatrava from the late 1940s. It's simply not getting enough wrist time as I focus on other pieces in my collection. This remarkable reference was produced to great acclaim by Patek for many years, from the mid-1940s to mid-1960s I believe, in many different dial and hand configurations. But this one is truly special, with sharp and well-defined spider lugs that are so hard to find on this reference, and a very attractive and highly usual dial design that features gorgeous pink gold balls at the hour markers. The "sideways" arabic numerals 3 and 9 also add a wonderful design flourish. The watch is accompanied by an Extract of the Archives of Patek, showing a manufacture date of 1949, and a sale date of 1950. A 70 year old stunner! Details and plenty of pictures below tell the story (all of the pictures are recent, and mine, other than the macro shots of the dial, which were sent to me by a well-known vintage Patek collector from whom I purchased it less than 2 years ago). The watch seems to run very well and keeps good time, although I am not a watchmaker and do not know its service history. As with any vintage piece, a service is always recommended. Movement: Patek Caliber 12-120, manual wind Ref: 1578R Case: 655xxx Movement: 965xxx Case is 18k Rose/Pink Gold Diameter without Crown: 35mm Lug width: 20mm Thickness: 10mm Crown - unsigned, which I believe to be correct for this era Dial - matte silver "indelible" dial with raised Patek Philippe signature, applied pink gold Arabic numerals, dart and dot indexes, raised outer minute track, subsidiary seconds dial. Dial does not say "Swiss" at the bottom, which I also believe to be correct for this era/reference. Pink gold "baton" hands. Brown lizard strap in good shape with 14mm vintage AW (Wenger) rose gold buckle (not Patek) Movement (description from original sale listing that I believe to be accurate) - rhodium plated, "fausses côtes" decoration, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance-spring, index regulator. Case is in excellent overall condition, with signs of some past polishing but lugs remain quite sharp, hallmark is deep, and a lovely "rainbow" patina is visible on the gold in various places around the case (as well as on a number of the hour markers). Indelible dial is original, with full Patek Philippe signature and accent grave on "Geneve" still crisp and visible. I've been told that it is likely the dial was gently "cleaned" at some point many years ago - but it looks great and the raised indelible printing above the enamel is still easy to spot from various angles. The only "flaws" I'm specifically aware of are a small and slight "depression" on the dial just to the left of the Arabic "12," and a light scratch in the enamel just above it, along with some light spotting on the edge of the dial. There's also a small spot just to the left of the 5 o'clock hour marker. These are visible upon close inspection and at certain angles, but do not detract in any meaningful way from the visual appear or wearability of the watch. Nevertheless, I'm a big believer in full disclosure. I can also send a quick video of the dial from various angles via email if anyone would like. I am now asking US $15,000, via wire/bank transfer to me (I am not interested in trades). I will cover the cost of priority, trackable shipping within the USA, and would welcome a face-to-face transaction for anyone in or near the Philadelphia, PA area. Shipping costs and logistics will be subject to further discussion with any potential international buyer, and he/she will be 100% responsible for any import taxes/duties/customs costs, etc. Any purchase is final, with no return unless this listing contains any blatant misrepresentation of the condition or details of the which, which I'm confident it does not. Plenty of references are available upon request, both here on OF as well as on Instagram (@MarktheTime there as well) and eBay (100% rating as both buyer and seller). Numerous pictures below, and I would welcome any questions. Thanks for looking. Mark Philadelphia, PA
Awoke to a very pleasant surprise today, seeing this watch among those featured in this week's "Bring a Loupe" column on Hodinkee! Happy to see it attracting some attention...but it's still in search of a great new home! https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/bring-a-loupe-vintage-watches-3-6-2020
Hi Mark. Just read the Hodinkee article. What a treasure piece! Do you have a pic of the Wenger buckle they refer to as "the cherry on top"?
@nkb @Cozmopak - as requested, more detailed pics have been added of the movement, casebook and Wenger buckle. Thanks for looking.
Ok, last price drop before she goes back in the safe for the foreseeable future, which would be a shame for an 18k pink gold Patek Calatrava from 1949 with such a gorgeous dial design. $16,250 (sadly, well below my own cost for her).
Watching this morning’s CRAZY Phillips auction results for vintage Pateks and can’t help but think... “maybe I shouldn’t be selling this one...?” But feel free to make an offer anyway!