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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch

Patek Philippe Reference 1518 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph

Partially verified

This Patek Philippe Reference 1518 is an 18k pink gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch featuring moon phases, made in 1946 and sold in 1947 according to an archival extract. It is fitted with a pink dial bearing French calendar indications and the early long 'Patek Philippe & Co' signature. The 35 mm case incorporates a snap-on case back, rectangular chronograph pushers, and an 18k pink gold Gay Frères bracelet. The watch is powered by a 23-jewel caliber 13"' mechanical movement signed by the maker.

Three-quarter view of the Patek Philippe Reference 1518 showing the dial, pink gold case, and Gay Frères bracelet
Three-quarter view of the Patek Philippe Reference 1518 showing the dial, pink gold case, and Gay Frères bracelet — Sotheby's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sothebys.com
Category
Wristwatch · Perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
1518
Catalogue / lot identifier
38
Source-reported date
1946
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
863794

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

Dial Configuration and Inscription

The salmon pink-toned dial, stated in catalog notes to have been made by Stern Frères, features a perpetual calendar display with dual apertures for day and month indications in French. Subdials across the dial provide running seconds, a 30-minute chronograph register, and an integrated date display with an aperture for moon phases.

Positioned below the day and month apertures, the dial displays an early "Patek Philippe & Co" long signature, reported to feature slightly compressed lettering to fit beneath the windows. Source notes report that Patek Philippe transitioned to a shortened dial signature ("Patek Philippe") around 1948, placing this 1946-manufactured watch toward the later end of long-signature production.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: pink, French calendar”
  • “The characterful pink gold Stern Frères-made dial has a warm and alluring copper tone, showing unique signs of patina and aging.”
  • “This signature is also believed to be unique, with the text slightly compressed to fit neatly below the day/date apertures.”
  • “Around 1948, in the middle of the production run of the reference 1518, Patek Philippe changed the dial signature on all of their watches from long (Patek Philippe & Co) to short (Patek Philippe).”

Case Construction and Bracelet

Crafted in 18k pink gold with a snap-on case back, the 35 mm case is classified in catalog commentary as second series (1946–1953), characterized by more tapered lugs, a larger winding crown, and lower positioning of the rectangular chronograph pushers.

The auction catalog reports that all gold reference 1518 cases were produced by casemaker Emile Vichet (Key 9). The watch is fitted with an 18k pink gold multi-link Gay Frères bracelet with clasp mounted to the case lugs, which feature drilled spring bar holes.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: 18k pink gold, snap on case back”
  • “The current watch belongs to the second series (1946-1953), as indicated by its more tapered lugs, larger crown, and the lower position of the chronograph pushers.”
  • “All gold 1518 cases were crafted by the master casemaker, Emile Vichet (Key 9)”
  • “Closure: 18k pink gold Gay Frères bracelet with clasp”
  • “The case remains in remarkable condition, with all four lugs retaining their original proportions, featuring sharp angles and crisp drilled spring bar holes.”

Movement Details and Archival Documentation

According to catalog specifications, the movement is a 23-jewel manual-wind caliber 13"' numbered 863'794, with signing stated across the case, dial, and movement. As the movement and interior case back are not visible in the provided reference photograph, internal mechanical marks and finish details are not directly confirmed.

The lot is accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture in 1946 and sale on July 9, 1947. Original box and papers are not recorded in the catalog listing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Caliber: cal. 13"' mechanical, 23 jewels”
  • “Movement number: 863'794”
  • “Signed: case, dial and movement”
  • “Accessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of sale on July 9, 1947”
  • “Box: no Papers: no”

Open research questions

  • What specific hallmark punches, Key 9 casemaker stamps, and internal reference numbers are struck on the inside of case back 644'119?
  • Does caliber 13"' movement 863'794 carry any export/import stamps (such as HOX) or specific adjustment markings?
  • What date stamp and blade markings are engraved on the Gay Frères bracelet clasp?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Reference 1518 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Number863'794“Movement number: 863'794”
Case Number644'119“Case number : 644'119”
Calibercal. 13"' mechanical, 23 jewels“Caliber: cal. 13"' mechanical, 23 jewels”
Case Material18k pink gold“Case: 18k pink gold, snap on case back”
Case Diameter35 mm“Size: 35 mm diameter”
Closure18k pink gold Gay Frères bracelet with clasp“Closure: 18k pink gold Gay Frères bracelet with clasp”
Case MakerEmile Vichet (Key 9)“All gold 1518 cases were crafted by the master casemaker, Emile Vichet (Key 9)”
Date of SaleJuly 9, 1947“Accessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of sale on July 9, 1947”

Visible details

  • Pink-toned dial with dual day and month calendar apertures positioned above the signature
  • Subdials for running seconds, 30-minute chronograph register, and combined date with moon phase display
  • Outer tachymeter scale printed along the dial periphery
  • Beads-of-rice multi-link pink gold bracelet attached between straight lugs
  • Rectangular chronograph pushers flanking a fluted winding crown

Research qualifications

  • Movement and case back interior are not visible in the provided photograph
  • Original box and papers are absent according to the auction catalog

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

Consulted source

Patek Philippe | Reference 1518 | A pink gold perpetual calendar

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record e6a37c49d0

Terms in this record

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

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