Property of an important Italian family. Ref. 1518. Produced in 281 examples from 1941 to 1954, in yellow and pink gold, only four examples known to date in stainless steel. There are four distinct series of the 1518 although they did not advance chronologically as such but were available at the same time. - First series: with applied gold Arabic numerals from 1941 to 1954. - Second series: presented at the Basel Fair in 1942 with enameled hour indexes, the 12 in applied gold Arabic numerals. - Third series: with applied gold indexes, the 12 in applied gold Arabic numerals. - Fourth series: with applied gold baton indexes. With only 281 examples having been made in total, finding a fresh to the market 1518 is becoming rarer and rarer. This example has stayed with the current family for over 25 years and is in amazing condition. Its case has maintained not only one, but two hallmarks (one to the side and one under the lug) and one can easily see from the THICKNESS and pin holes to the lugs that it has seen little polish over the years. Its beautiful original dial dating from 1943 has been kept in outstanding condition for its age. A fantastic new find for Patek Philippe collectors.