The spider-lug case by Wenger, the raised enamel lettering on the dial and the chronograph movement; the idiosyncratic ref. 1579 is so damn good. Already introduced in 1943, yet 80 years later this tantalizing case design hasn't been used ever since. This 3-piece construction, made by Wenger for Patek Philippe, sports 'Spider legs". Fancy lugs and a chronograph function is not a common combination in the rich history of Patek Philippe. Together with its thick bezel and rather large diameter (36mm), it makes for a very seductive timepiece. When it was discontinued in 1964, only 470 examples have been made, divided over multiple metals. Ours is carried out in 18K yellow gold. By the dial it can be divided in two series, this one being of the second generation; having pyramid indices with Arabic 12 + 6 and feuille hands. Arguably aesthetically more pleasing than the earlier series as the faceted hands and ditto lugs work so well together. Our specimen has a wonderfully kept dial that elegantly shows its age but remains crisp and bright with strong raised enamel lettering. The chronograph hand and minute counter are blued and provide a nice contrast to the creamy dial finish. The cal. 13" manual winding chronograph inside is a workhorse and ready to display and measure time for many more decades to come. A movement fitting for such a grant Patek Philippe, dating to 1951, as confirmed by the extract of the archives. Additionally it is supplied with a Patek Philippe crocodile leather strap and yellow-gold PP buckle.
- extrasExtract From The Archives
- year1951
- reference1579
- modelChronograph
