Sotheby's To Auction Newly-Discovered Patek Philippe "Pink-on-Pink" 1518 Timepiece
The watch, one of 15 to exist, will be the star highlight of the Important Watches auction in New York on June 9.
Sotheby’s has pulled back the curtain on a previously undiscovered Patek Philippe “pink-on-pink” Reference 1518 timepiece — and it’s headed to auction.
While all 1518 models are rare (only 281 iterations were created in their time), this “pink-on-pink” example is one of just 15 to exist. With only 10 of the 15 watches to have ever been offered for sale, this latest version will make its auction debut as the star highlight of Sotheby’s Important Watches auction in New York on June 9.
“It is an honor and a privilege for Sotheby’s to be entrusted by the family of the original owner with the sale of their exceptionally rare and beautiful vintage Patek Philippe,” said Sotheby’s senior vice president and senior watch specialist Jonathon Burford. “The reason for it laying dormant, as it has remained in the possession of its original family since its purchase in 1947, was its being hidden in a draw untouched for 30 years. To unearth a previously unknown, undiscovered and vintage watch from a single owner in such remarkable condition is the stuff of dreams for vintage Patek Philippe collectors, a ‘holy grail’ watch so to speak.”
The fresh-to-market timepiece, which will head to auction for the first time since its original sale in 1947, will go for an estimated $2.5 million USD to $4.5 million USD. Cased in pink gold, the 1518 timepiece features matching salmon pink gold dials, showing signs of patina and aging. The case, made by Emile Vichet, belongs to Patek Philippe’s second series, featuring tapered lugs, a larger crown and lower-positioned chronograph pushers — all of which are in “remarkable condition.”
See the rare design in the gallery above.
In more watch news, Rolex’s Certified Pre-Owned Program launched in the U.S.
