Introduction
Produced between 1941 and 1951, the Patek Philippe ref. 1513 represents an unusually substantial expression of the manufacture's restrained mid-century dress watch. At 35mm, its case was notably large for the period, giving the watch considerably greater wrist presence than many contemporary Patek Philippe references. Its broad dial opening, slim bezel and elegantly curved lugs create a particularly well-balanced design, while the reference was produced across two principal mechanical generations, beginning with the calibre 12-120 before transitioning to the calibre 12-400.
The present watch combines a stainless steel case with a striking salmon-coloured dial. Applied Arabic numerals at 12, 3 and 6 o'clock are complemented by elongated applied hour markers and a large subsidiary-seconds display at six, creating an unusually expressive configuration within the otherwise restrained ref. 1513 design. Inside is the manually wound calibre 12-120 PS, identifying it as a first-series example.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
35mm
Model
Calatrava
Movement
Manual-wind Patek Philippe calibre 12-120 PS
Reference
1513
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
1940s
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Salmon
THE DIAL
The salmon-coloured dial is distinguished by applied Arabic numerals at 12, 3 and 6 o'clock, complemented by elongated eneamel hour markers and a large subsidiary-seconds display at six. Against the entirely stainless steel case, its warm tone gives this otherwise restrained ref. 1513 a particularly distinctive appearance.
THE CONSTRUCTION
At 35mm, the stainless steel case was unusually large for a Patek Philippe dress watch of the 1940s. Its broad proportions are tempered by a relatively slim bezel and elegant curved lugs, allowing the expansive dial to dominate while retaining the refined profile associated with Patek Philippe's mid-century wristwatches.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The stainless steel case shows surface scratches and marks, as expected of a watch of this vintage. There are some small nicks to the edge of the bezel and the lugs. The case back shows surface scratches. The unsigned winding crown is in excellent condition. The salmon tone dial is excellent, but there is a small "dimple" visible on the surface just to the lower left of the Patek Philippe signature. It can be seen in the images. The hands remain clean. It is fitted with a brown leather strap and steel pin buckle. The case measures approximately 35 mm in diameter. Due to recent changes in the Patek Philippe archiving process, there is no guarantee attached to this watch that it will archive or the dial color will be stated on the archive.
Please note: The watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
The appeal of this ref. 1513 comes from its utilitarian stainless steel case and unusually warm salmon dial. At 35mm it was already a substantial watch by 1940s standards, and the applied Arabic numerals at 12, 3 and 6 give the dial even greater presence. It is a particularly characterful example of Patek Philippe's larger post-war dress watches.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
