Year: 1951
Reference No: 1518
Movement No: 868'109
Case No: 674'135
Material: 18k yellow gold
Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 23 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Leather
Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle
Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1951 with silvered dial and its subsequent sale on October 16, 1954.

Patek Philippe’s reference 1518 is a monumental piece in absolutely every sense. It was not only the world’s first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch made in series launched in 1941 but it also set out the blueprint for all subsequent Patek Philippe watches with this complication but for other brands as well. The 1518 in its own manner greatly contributed to the manufacturer's dominant position in the watchmaking industry. Consider for example that no other company achieved a serial production of similarly complicated pieces until the 1980s. Its successors are references 2499, 3970, 5970 and finally 5270, which features an in-house movement - this makes the present line of watches the only one with ongoing production at Patek Philippe since the 1940s. According to research, only 281 examples were manufactured, it is believed that 215 examples were encased in yellow gold with 58 examples made in pink gold and 4 known in steel. The present watch impresses by its superb state of preservation, the case is strong with nice thick lugs, and two strong and crisp hallmarks, one under the lug and one on the side of the case. The silver dial is devoid of tarnish or intervention, it boasts absolutely unmolested and vibrant graphics - without losses or fading - and furthermore sports very sharp edges to the day/month windows and moon phase aperture.