Patek Philippe Ref. 1511: Vintage Overview — WatchProSite Forum Digest

quattro · 2025-05-11T18:50:11Z

Explore the Patek Philippe ref. 1511, a unique 1942 yellow gold timepiece. Discover its eccentric charm, design details, and collector insights on WatchProSite.

Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, presents a captivating look at the Patek Philippe ref. 1511, a yellow gold timepiece from 1942. His post delves into the unique aesthetic of this reference, challenging conventional notions of beauty in watchmaking. Emmanuel's detailed images and personal reflections invite readers to reconsider what makes a vintage Patek Philippe truly charming.

One last post for today.

Browsing a book I have on Patek Philippe watches, I found this ref. 1511 in yellow gold from 1942.

Of course, one could argue that it is merely a curiosity, a purely exotic piece (reminiscent of a sled?), or even a kind of freak that escaped from the Museum of Horrors (or from a wild imagination).

But the more I look at this watch, the more charming it is to me. A strange charm, no doubt about it, with this strange shaped crystal and these four "claws" integrated to the lugs, but a true charm nonetheless, and I would even say a beauty.

It was sold by Sotheby's in December 2019 as lot 919 of the "Important Watches" auction and again in June 2025 as lot 320 of the "Fine Watches" auction.

Best, Emmanuel

Case: 26 x 40 mm

credit: sotheby's

Key Points from the Discussion

The unusual design of the Patek Philippe ref. 1511, with its shaped crystal and 'claws' integrated into the lugs, evokes a strong initial reaction, prompting collectors to consider how it would wear on the wrist.
The distinctive and unconventional design of the ref. 1511 raises questions about its construction, specifically how its uniquely shaped crystal would be removed for servicing.
Despite its eccentricities, the Patek Philippe ref. 1511 exhibits a high level of execution, suggesting that its unique design was a deliberate and refined artistic choice rather than mere oddity.
The thread highlights a period in watchmaking when designs were allowed to be more unconventional and 'out of the ordinary,' contrasting with potentially more standardized aesthetics of later eras.

The Discussion

WatchFan1

May 11, 2025

For sure not the *anti-snag* case 😎

Intriguing design study, nevertheless. I have never seen it before. Thank you for sharing.

quattro

May 11, 2025

It’s certainly quite snaggy

and not very practical. But, even if very strange and eccentric, this design is so well executed… Thanks for looking. Best, Emmanuel

KMII

May 11, 2025

Maybe meant for protection 😊🤷🏻‍♂️

Interesting for sure 👍🏻

quattro

May 11, 2025

Maybe!

It’s such an eccentric design (and snaggy), but somehow so well executed… Cheers, Emmanuel

mdg

May 11, 2025

When there were artists, not bean counters…

EinPA

May 11, 2025

LOL

That’s true. Anyway that case is sick!

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