Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Hong Kong, Oct 27, 2019

LOT 394

PATEK PHILIPPE HISTORICAL WATCH, REF. 1479, UNUSUAL CASE; 18K PINK GOLD

HKD 36,000 - 43,000

CHF 4,480 - 5,480 / USD 4,500 - 5,500

Sold: HKD 46,250

The watch of William Powell (1892-1984), American actor 18K pink gold, manual-winding, vertical rectangular-shaped, gentleman’s wristwatch, snap-on case-back, lugs extended by four “L”-shaped claws curved over the glass. Case-back engraved in taille-douce (fine cut) with the dedication “To my Love / Alway’s / your Mommie.”.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3-8

Good

Slightly scratched
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-6-8-01

Good

Slightly oxidized

Slightly scratched

Brand Patek Philippe

Reference 1479

Year Circa 1941

Movement No. 851 705

Calibre  8-85, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, Geneva Quality Hall Mark

Case No. 507 248

Bracelet Black leather strap, gilded metal buckle

Dimensions 30.6 x 25 mm

Signature Dial, Case and Movement

Accessories Extract from the archivies

Notes

Provenance • Estate of William Powell (1892-1984), leading actor in the Golden Age of Hollywood (Heritage Auctions, New York, auction, October 29, 2015, lot 56 244.). The Extract from the Archives, dated September 19, 2019, mentioned that this watch was sold on September 23, 1942. Patek Philippe, Reference 1479 This reference is launched in 1940. This square-shaped watch is fitted with the Cal. 8-85. The lugs are extended by four “L”-shaped claws that curve over the glass which gives a special effect to the case. Extremely few examples were produced. Bibliography • Huber & Banbery, 1998, p. 165, ill. 251 (colour photo).
Powell, William William Horatio Powell (July 29, 1892 – March 5, 1984) was an American actor. A major star at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, he was paired with Myrna Loy in 14 films, including the Thin Man series based on the Nick and Nora Charles characters created by Dashiell Hammett. Powell was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor three times: for The Thin Man (1934), My Man Godfrey (1936), and Life with Father (1947).
William Powell (1892-1984) in 1936