
Jonathan Darracott
Global Head
£70,000 - £90,000
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Launched at the Basel fair in 1943, the 36mm Patek Philippe was the largest chronograph from the watchmakers at the time. In the approximately 20 years that the watch was in production only 470 were constructed.
The case, designed by Wenger, one of Geneva's best case makers, is noted for its thick bezel, legible dial, and mostly for it faceted downturned lugs, affectionately known as "spider lugs." The dials on these watches were provided by Stern Frères and the movements were based on the Valjoux 13''' ébauche, renamed by Patek Philippe as calibre 13-130 after they were finished to the highest standards by their workshop.
There are two standard series of reference 1579:
-1st series: from 1943 to 1949 bearing Arabic and baton numerals with baton or feuille hands
-2nd series: from 1950 to 1964 bearing Arabic and square numerals with feuille hands