We are proud to offer the highly collectable and striking Patek Philippe mens ref. 1491 watch showcased in today's offering. One of the company's renowned "Scrolled Lug" model, it is so named because of the lugs side profile (which are the reason for its Italian nickname “Ricciolo,” translated “Curl”).

With its understated silver face and beautiful "Scrolled Lug" case, it showcases a classic and ultra-elegant Patek style. It has spent most of the last year months in the owner's collection.

The reference 1491 was first introduced in 1940 and enjoyed a healthy production run of a quarter century. However, relatively few were made and it is estimated only 400 left the Patek manufacture in this 25 year period, ceasing entirely in 1965.

Ref. 1588 was launched in 1940 and had a full quarter century production run, presumably nearly ceasing in 1958 and ending entirely in 1965. Despite the 25 year long run, it is estimated that Patek only produced 400 examples, or approx. 16 per year.

We have long loved this model, distinguished by its ornate, scrolled lugs; a feature that, rather pleasingly, doesn't jump out at you at first glance of reading the time and is more easily noticed and enjoyed by those around you.

The boldness of the design is all the more interesting given that during the period when it was first produced in the 1940's, the fashion trend was toward more restrained designs. It is a pleasant exception to the times which other Patek watches bear testament to.

It has fully Patek parts and presents in excellent condition.

The case is particularly well-preserved with very strong lines - a highly important detail for this model as the unusual architecture of the lugs is very sensitive to polishing. It appears that many parts of the case have never been polished. The bottom lug has previously been discretely reinforced on the underside, something that is not uncommon and a fact that was never even noticed in the owner's ownership - it wasn't discovered until highly scrutinized under magnification for the writing of this listing.

Unfortunately, our photos couldn't capture that what appears to be the original factory brushed finish is still present on the sides of its curled lugs.

It is powered by one of Patek Philippe's illustrious 12-400 movements. Its silver dial, which retains its original raised enamel printing may have been partially restored or may be original. It shows only light aging.

One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. It is running strongly and accurately. Photos of the inside available upon request.

For the finishing touch, we have equipped it with a new aftermarket crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Accompanying it is an Extract from the Patek Philippe archives attesting to its originality and authenticity. Patek charges 500 CHF (approx. $575) to obtain one.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, and a new timing certificate attesting to its performance.

*PAYMENT BY BANK WIRE ONLY PLEASE* unless receiving prior approval. Thank you.

• Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Serial no.: 721,376
• Year built: 1953; sold November 18th, 1953
• Model: Ref. 1491, so called "Scrolled (or Curled) Lugs" - known as “Ricciolo,” translated “Curl” in Italian.
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 18K rose gold
• Case markings (inside): Patek Philippe & Co, Geneve, .750, 1588, 670,926, Ref. 1491
• Case condition: The case is particularly well-preserved with very strong lines - a highly important detail for this model as the unusual architecture of the lugs is very sensitive to polishing. It appears that many parts of the case have never been polished. The bottom lug has previously been discretely reinforced on the underside, something that is not uncommon and a fact that was never even noticed in the owner's ownership - it wasn't discovered until highly scrutinized under magnification for the writing of this listing.
• Dimensions: 34mm wide (without the crown) by 44mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Silver with rose gold faceted baton applied indexes, outer beaded minute track, signed Patek Philippe and Geneve - it retains its original raised enamel printing may have been partially reprinted or may be original. It shows only light aging.
• Hands: Original, rose gold "dauphines"
• Movement type: Extremely high grade, cal. 12-400, rhodium plated, fausses cotes decoration, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, blued steel Breguet balance spring, swan-neck regulator. Stamped twice with Geneva Quality Mark.
• Jewels: 18 rubies
• Band: Crocodile (aftermarket), fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn with unsigned buckle. We also stock lizard and a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
• Width between lugs: 16mm
• Servicing: One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running strongly and accurately. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center and also has done authorized work for the Richemont brands including Cartier, Vacheron & Constantin, IWC, JLC and others.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Extract from the Patek Philippe archives attesting to its originality and authenticity; New Connoisseur of Time timing certificate
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide