Comments:
Steel 1518 at Phillips Nov-16 , 2016
Without a doubt a grail watch for any watch collector and in such superb condition, flawless dial, sharp case, Gay Freres bracelet?, just perfect really.
This message has been edited by marco327 on 2016-07-18 05:54:57 This message has been edited by marco327 on 2016-07-18 05:55:08
Price of such perfection: +US$3m premium
https://www.phillips.com/detail/patek-philippe/CH080216/38
https://www.phillips.com/detail/patek-philippe/CH080216/38
Picture courtesy of Phillips
This message has been edited by marco327 on 2016-07-18 05:54:57 This message has been edited by marco327 on 2016-07-18 05:55:08
This would answer your question
IF I am correct that this is the first 1518 in steel:
Take it this way, Nico...
you can easily throw in a $1.000.000 bid without ever having to worry where to steal the money from...
Cheers,
Magnus
Cheers,
Magnus
And still get bragging rights!
"Yeah, I bid on that but some cashed-up baller out bid me."
Its really a rare timepiece. Steel chrono.
And its got a moonphase , a romantic complication. My opinion.
Cheers. So glad i own and wear Patek watches.
Geross.
just some more observations
I have been comparing the 4 known examples of this reference, and after some study it is my belief that this watch is the first 1518 in steel! We can immediately eliminate watch number 4 because this is the only known steel 1518 with blue hands. All pictures are taken from John Goldberger book Steel Watches.
Look at the positioning of the dots at the "5" and "7". Now compare this with watch number 3:
As you can see the dot at the "5" does not touch the outer edge of the date while on watch number 1 it does! Furthermore, the fonts are different. Now on to watch number 2
Here the positioning of the dots are correct with the watch in auction, but unfortunately watch number 2 out of all 4 took the most beating through time. Look at the tach ring as well as the day and month apertures. Additionally note the spacing of "Patek Philippe & Co" on watches 1 and 2. The "a" in the word "Patek" and the "Co" lie completely on the outside of the apertures while on watch number 1 the "a" lies inside.
Watch Number 1
Look at the positioning of the dots at the "5" and "7". Now compare this with watch number 3:
Watch Number 3
As you can see the dot at the "5" does not touch the outer edge of the date while on watch number 1 it does! Furthermore, the fonts are different. Now on to watch number 2
Watch Number 2
Here the positioning of the dots are correct with the watch in auction, but unfortunately watch number 2 out of all 4 took the most beating through time. Look at the tach ring as well as the day and month apertures. Additionally note the spacing of "Patek Philippe & Co" on watches 1 and 2. The "a" in the word "Patek" and the "Co" lie completely on the outside of the apertures while on watch number 1 the "a" lies inside.
The first 1518 was manufactured in 1943 and sold for Frs. 2265 on February 22 1944. I think we can all safely say it will go for much higher this time around 
Sincerely and Respectfully
Joseph
This message has been edited by ZeroHour on 2016-07-20 08:37:57
Just about perfect
Simple and understated, a real unicorn in the era of wristwatches. The constraints of the era played a part in the genesis of this perfect dial.
I don't think modern buyers would be too keen on a new perpetual chronograph without a leap year indicator, but this presents a good case to moving the leap year indicator to the rear.