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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch

Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 1491

Partially verified

This 1948 Patek Philippe Calatrava wristwatch, referenced 1491, is constructed from 18ct yellow gold. The watch features a 35mm diameter case defined by distinctive scroll-shaped lugs where the leather strap attaches. Its silver-colored dial displays black baton hour markers and sword-shaped hands, with a secondary sub-dial for seconds positioned at 6 o'clock. Power is provided by a manual-wind movement, specifically the calibre 12-120. The object is fitted with a leather strap. The auction description attributes the manufacture of the piece to 1948 and identifies it within the Calatrava line. The dial is described as silvered rather than solid silver. No additional accessories, boxes, or documentation are confirmed as part of this listing. Observations include the visible gold case, leather strap, and internal dial layout as documented by the source.

Front view of the Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 1491, showing the silvered dial, baton indices, sword hands, and scroll lugs.
Front view of the Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 1491, showing the silvered dial, baton indices, sword hands, and scroll lugs. — Somlo London. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
1491
Catalogue / lot identifier
3465
Source-reported date
1948
Source-reported place
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Design

The Patek Philippe reference 1491 is housed in an 18ct yellow gold case measuring 35mm in diameter. The design is characterized by specific scroll-shaped lugs, which provide the primary visual distinction at the points where the watch integrates with its leather strap.

The dial exhibits a silver-colored finish, adorned with applied black baton markers for the hours and sword-shaped hands for time indication. A dedicated sub-dial for the running seconds is positioned at the 6 o'clock mark. The source clarifies that the 'silvered' description refers to the dial's color or plating, not to a construction from solid silver.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه این ساعت از طلای زرد ۱۸ عیار ساخته شده و قطر آن ۳۵ میلی‌متر اعلام گردیده است”
  • “یکی از ویژگی‌های شاخص ظاهری این مدل، پایه‌های منحصربه‌فرد طوماری‌شکل (scroll lugs) در محل اتصال بند چرمی به قاب است”
  • “صفحه ساعت دارای پوشش نقره‌ای بوده و با نشانگرهای خطی مشکی‌رنگ (baton) و عقربه‌های شمشیری (sword hands) آراسته شده است”

Movement and Functionality

The watch operates via a manual-winding mechanical movement, identified by the source as the Patek Philippe calibre 12-120. This calibre is a central component of the 1491 reference, driving the hours, minutes, and the independent sub-seconds display located at the 6 o'clock position on the dial.

Detailed technical verification, including the matching of movement and case serial numbers, remains a necessary step for potential collectors beyond the information provided in the catalogue entry.

Evidence for this section
  • “حرکت این ساعت بر عهده موتور کوکی دستی (Manual) با کالیبر 12-120 است”
  • “جدول صفحه، سال ۱۹۴۸، رفرنس 1491، کالیبر دستی 12-120، قاب ۳۵ میلی‌متری طلای زرد ۱۸ عیار، پایه‌های طوماری و بند چرمی را ثبت کرده است”

Provenance and Documentation

The watch is catalogued by Somlo with the inventory code 3465. The provenance information and physical specifications provided are sourced from the auction description, which designates the watch as a 1948 production. No historical documentation, original retail packaging, or authentication certificates are stated to accompany the item.

The auction house emphasizes that the provided details, including the date and configuration, are based on their assessment.

Evidence for this section
  • “کد موجودی Somlo برای این نمونه 3465 است”
  • “متعلقات در صفحه مشخص نشده و نباید وجود جعبه، برگه یا گواهی آرشیو فرض شود”
  • “برای خرید، تطبیق شماره بدنه و موتور، فرم پایه‌ها، ضخامت لبه‌ها، سابقه پرداخت و سرویس باید جداگانه بررسی شوند”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement serial number range corresponding to this 1948 production date?
  • Does the case back carry interior hallmarks or engravings that confirm the 18ct gold composition?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 1491
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe“ساخت Patek Philippe”
Reference1491“شماره رفرنس 1491”
Date1948“ساخت Patek Philippe در سال ۱۹۴۸”
Material18ct yellow gold“طلای زرد ۱۸ عیار”
Diameter35mm“قطر آن ۳۵ میلی‌متر اعلام گردیده است”
MovementManual-wind, Calibre 12-120“موتور کوکی دستی (Manual) با کالیبر 12-120 است”
Lug styleScroll lugs“پایه‌های منحصربه‌فرد طوماری‌شکل (scroll lugs)”
Lot Identifier3465“کد موجودی Somlo برای این نمونه 3465 است”

Visible details

  • Case features scroll-shaped lugs
  • Secondary seconds dial at 6 o'clock
  • Silvered dial with baton indices and sword hands
  • Solid case back visible in rear-view photo

Research qualifications

  • Presence of box or original papers is not confirmed
  • Dial is silvered, which does not indicate solid silver construction

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

18ct yellow gold Patek Philippe ref. 1491 Calatrava wristwatch with scroll lugs. Made 1948

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 6887771f15

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other manual-wind wristwatch records