Today’s offering showcases this fantastic and highly desirable Patek Philippe Ref. 1509 in 18K gold - and most importantly, in the larger full-size configuration.

Among vintage Calatravas, the reference 1509 occupies an elegant position. The reference 1509 is one of the pure expressions of the Calatrava philosophy: restrained, balanced, and architecturally clean. Its elegant round case, slender bezel, and beautifully sculpted lugs create a silhouette that is unmistakably Patek - dignified, confident, and timeless.

What makes it especially compelling is its large size. At approximately 35mm in diameter, it wears substantially larger than many of its mid-century counterparts. They are sought after by collectors because they bridge eras. They preserve all the romance of the 1940s–1950s while offering modern wrist presence.

Its larger 35mm case with tear drop lugs was made for Patek by Wenger and dramatically changes how the watch is experienced.

Many Calatravas of the era measure closer to 30–32mm, which, while historically correct, can wear modestly by modern standards.

This large example offers a presence that feels contemporary while remaining completely faithful to its mid-century origins. It has a desirable combination - vintage soul with modern wearability.

The dial is classic Calatrava: warm silver with applied gold Arabic numerals and half-spheres with matching gold hands, complemented by a subsidiary seconds register and especially a more prominent than usual outer railroad track. The typography, spacing, and layout are beautifully judged. Nothing feels crowded; nothing feels sparse - its visual harmony.

Inside beats its beautifully finished Patek Philippe caliber 12-120 PS movement, it possesses all the necessary capabilities to earn it its place as one the finest timepieces in the world.

The movement displays the refined finishing and precise architecture that established Patek Philippe as the benchmark of haute horlogerie. The bridges, jewel settings, and gear train reflect a level of craftsmanship that elevates it into mechanical art.

It has all of its original parts.

Its case presents in excellent condition with light signs of previous polishing and light wear. Some of the lugs appear to have been very discretely reinforced as is not uncommon with these. Both of its hallmarks are crisp.

Its original dial was nicely restored in vintage times. It is clean with slight surface rippling. Its original raised enamel printing is still present. Please inquire if you would like it freshly restored.

One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist.

For the finishing touch, it comes equipped with a caiman crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function and a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.

The Reference 1509 was produced for less than ten years, between 1941 and 1950. The present example is part of the first production period as it bears the Patek Philippe & Co signature.

Owning a vintage Patek Philippe is different from owning almost any other watch. It is about continuity. The movement inside this watch was built in Geneva to standards that were already considered exceptional nearly a century ago - adjusted, finished, and regulated by craftsmen whose work helped define the very concept of fine watchmaking. When you wind it, you're participating in that lineage.

Please inquire if you would like us to obtain an Extract from the Patek Philippe Archives. Patek charges 550 CHF.

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 training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
Country of origin: Switzerland
Year built: 1940's
Serial no.: 926,778
Model: Ref. 1509
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: 18K gold
Case markings (inside): Patek Philippe & Co. Genève Swiss; case no. 637433 - note the numerous hand-engraved watchmakers marks showing service history
Case condition: Presents in excellent condition with light signs of previous polishing and light wear. Some of the lugs appear to have been very discretely reinforced as is not uncommon with these. Both of its hallmarks are crisp.
Dial: Silver, signed Patek Philippe & Co., 18K gold applique Arabic numeral and half-spherical indices, previously nicely restored, clean with slight surface rippling - its original raised enamel printing is still present Please inquire if you would like it freshly restored
Dimensions: 35mm wide (excluding crown), 42.5mm long lug tip-to-tip 
Hands: Original, gold "faceted dauphines "
Movement type: Extremely high grade, cal. 12’’’-120, rhodium-plated, “fausses côtes” decoration, 18 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, swan-neck micrometer regulator
Movement markings: Patek Philippe & Co., Genève, Swiss, 926,778
Jewels: 18 rubies
Band: Caiman crocodile, remborde, like new with aftermarket gold-tone Cartier style buckle
Crystal: Acrylic, excellent condition. Kindly note that since the photos were taken we have installed a new crystal with a slightly higher dome for better hand clearance
Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist.
Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist.
Warranty: 1-year C.O.T. international warranty. 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 which include Cartier, Vacheron & Constantin, IWC, JLC and others.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
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