Patek Philippe 'Courtesy' Watch: Vintage History

quattro · 2025-10-19T07:42:54Z

Explore the rare Patek Philippe Ref. 1544 'courtesy' watch, a unique loaner timepiece. Discover its history, design, and collector insights.

quattro

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

30 replies1247 views18 photos

Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, delves into the enigmatic Patek Philippe reference 1544, a timepiece believed to have served as a 'courtesy' watch. His meticulous research uncovers the rarity and unique characteristics of these utilitarian yet historically significant watches. This article illuminates why these seldom-seen references continue to captivate collectors and Patek Philippe enthusiasts.

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The reference 1544 is believed to have been produced to serve as ‘courtesy’ or ‘replacement’ watches, loaned to clients requesting to have their timepiece repaired and needing a replacement during the time of its absence. Very nice and thoughtful idea, isn't it?

It is thought that the total production of these service watches should add up to less than 20 examples, among which only 4 are known yet (I have been able to identify only 3 of them).

Given their utilitarian purpose, they were all made in stainless steel, but they featured an engraved/enameled dial nonetheless.

To facilitate the identification of these watches and all paperwork involved, the casebacks were engraved with a number under which they were registered in the respective service center.

The steel case, with its characteristic two-piece hooded lugs, measures 22 x 29.5 mm (38 mm including lugs) and the watch is powered by legendary shaped hand-wound calibre 9-90.

Here are the 3 examples I've been able to find.

Best, Emmanuel

A/ Movement no. 972'549, Case no. 508'378

This first example was sold by Antiquorum in the 1989 'The Art Of Patek Philippe' auction and is coming up for sale in the Phillips Decade One (2015-2025) auction, next November 8th, 2025.

According to Phillips the "courtesy" nature of the watch "stemmed its Italian nickname “Muletto”, borrowed from the automotive world (“muletto” means “forklift” in Italian, and it is used by racing teams as nickname of a back-up car - mockingly and hyperbolically implying it to be less performing, such as indeed a forklift)."

This example has no number engraved on the caseback because of a "case upgrade": unfortunately, Phillips does not provide any further details, but this means that this watch is unfortunately no longer in its original condition.

credit: Phillips & Antiquorum

B/ Movement no. 975'289, Case no. 508'366 - Engraved number 33

This second example was sold three times by Christie's, in 2009, 2014 and 2021.

It was also sold by Antiquorum in 2004 and 2006, and it is featured in John Goldberger's celebrated book Patek Philippe Steel Watches .

credit: Christie’s, Antiquorum & John Goldberger

C/ Movement no. 976’736, Case no. 508’369 - Engraved number 47

This third example, with a damaged dial, was sold by John Nagayama and by Osenat in 2019.

credit: onbehalf (John Nagayama) & Osent

Key Points from the Discussion

The first example of the Ref. 1544, originally sold by Antiquorum in 1989 and now appearing at Phillips, has a replaced case. This 'case upgrade' means its current movement number does not correspond to Patek Philippe's original archives, and it lacks the characteristic engraved caseback number found on other examples.
The concept of a luxury brand providing a 'loaner' watch during servicing, as Patek Philippe did with the Ref. 1544, is highly unusual and likely unique, even historically. Such a practice is virtually unheard of among watch brands today.
Despite its utilitarian purpose and 'raw' design with distinctive hooded lugs, many collectors express a strong desire to own and wear the Ref. 1544, appreciating its unique aesthetics and the experience of having a timepiece powered by the legendary Calibre 9-90.
The idea of a 'courtesy' watch is a novel concept for many collectors, who are more familiar with loaner cars from luxury automotive brands during vehicle repairs.
Some contributors humorously suggest that collectors should demand a courtesy watch in writing upon purchase to encourage brands to reconsider their service practices and timelines.

The Discussion

watch-guy.com

Oct 19, 2025

Regarding the first one , which was sold in 1989 at AQ, it is for sale again at Phillips in geneva in Nov. It has a replaced case which is shown on the original extract but PP will not issue a second recent extract as the case and movement numbers do not correspond to the original narchive and has no number on the case back as the others do Julian

KMII

Oct 19, 2025

Thanks for unearthing these! I guess we should all demand in writing to get a courtesy watch when sending ours in for service when buying the watch already and otherwise refuse the purchase 😁 Could make the brands reconsider their practices and service timelines somewhat 😉

quattro

Oct 19, 2025

Yes, the first one is being sold again next November 8th and I have featured the information and link in the thread. I was aware of what Phillips calls the "case upgrade", but I didn't know that the present movement number doesn't correspond to the original archive. Too bad. Do you think that the absence of a number on the case back is due to this "case upgrade"? And have you seen one of these in real life? Best, Emmanuel

quattro

Oct 19, 2025

Patek Philippe really cares: the experience of purchasing a new strap at the Parisian Salon was first class.

quattro

Oct 19, 2025

treats you like a worthy customer, even if you bought your 20 years old watch second hand and just come to buy a strap.

S F

Oct 19, 2025

Totally unaware of the concept of “courtesy” watch. No one has ever offered it to me😂

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Patek Philippe 'Courtesy' Watch: Vintage History

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