Patek Philippe has a long and distinguished history with chronographs, dating back to 1856 when the manufacture produced one of its earliest chronograph pocket watches. The inspiration came after co-founder Antoine Norbert de Patek travelled to America, where he observed a growing demand for precise timing instruments—particularly for measuring the speed of horse races.
In 1923, Patek Philippe created its very first chronograph wristwatch, a highly complex split-seconds timepiece capable of measuring two separate events simultaneously. By 1927, the manufacture had begun regular production of wrist chronographs, laying the foundation for what would become one of its most celebrated complications.
Introduced in 1943, the reference 1579 is one of Patek Philippe’s most charismatic vintage chronographs. It features an elegant 18k yellow gold three-piece case with distinctive sculptural “spider” lugs, crafted by the renowned case maker Wenger. The combination of these elaborate lugs and a chronograph movement is exceptionally rare within Patek Philippe’s history, making the reference highly sought after by collectors today.
The impressive 36mm case is presented in excellent condition and fitted with square chronograph pushers that retain their crisp mechanical feel. As a desirable second-series example it features the silvered dial with black printing, a base-1000 tachymeter scale, applied Arabic numerals at 6 and 12, and elegant pyramid-shaped gold hour markers.
The balanced chronograph layout is completed by two recessed sub-dials and a beautiful combination of hands. The polished gold feuille hour and minute hands are paired with a blued central chronograph seconds hand, creating a striking contrast while maintaining outstanding legibility.
One fascinating aspect of early Patek Philippe dials is that they were designed to be serviceable. During the 1940s and 1950s, before modern water-resistant case construction became commonplace, moisture and dust could occasionally affect the appearance of a dial over time. Rather than replacing these original dials, Patek Philippe trained specialist watchmakers to carefully clean and preserve and restore them whenever possible during servicing. This example has benefited from such a period cleaning by the manufacture, allowing it to retain its original character while remaining preserved.
The watch is fitted with the photographed leather strap and an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle. It is accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming its sale in 1951 and describing the dial configuration as “raised gold index, tachymeter.”
Inside beats the legendary manually wound calibre 13” chronograph movement, fully serviced by our watchmaker and ready to provide many years of reliable enjoyment.
We have always had a particular soft spot for the reference 1579. The elegant proportions, beautifully sculpted lugs, silvered dial, and graceful feuille hands come together in perfect harmony, resulting in one of the most balanced and sophisticated vintage chronographs Patek Philippe has ever produced.
An important chronograph from one of watchmaking’s most revered manufactures. Should you require any further information, we would be delighted to hear from you!
Specifications:
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Patek Philippe Chronograph reference 1579
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18k yellow gold three-piece case with sculptural “spider” lugs , 36 mm, square pushers
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Silvered base dial with two chronograph sub dials, raised gold indexes, tachymeter scale
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Hand-wound calibre 13’’’
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Fully serviced by our watch maker
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Comes on the photographed leather strap with 18 k gold Patek pin buckle
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Extract from the Archives of Patek Philippe confirming its sale in 1951
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Fully serviced by our watch maker
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One-year mechanical warranty
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Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping
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