Lot 362

Patek Philippe

Riccio / Fernandel

A charismatic and very rare vintage Geneva wristwatch with auxiliary seconds and remarkable scroll lugs - with Patek Philippe extract from the archives

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At first glance not immediately apparent, this charismatic timepiece enchants with its avant-garde early 1950s design. Viewed from the side, you can see the unusual, playful lugs. They are reminiscent of locks of hair, which is why the watch is also known to Italian collectors as the "Riccio" (curl). In France, this model is called "Fernandel", titled after its famous wearer, the actor Fernandel, who achieved fame in his role as Don Camillo.
Reference 1491 was produced in two versions between 1940 and 1958, the first series with calibre 12-120 and auxiliary seconds, the second series, introduced in 1943, with calibre 27SC and central seconds.
The present example is in excellent condition with beautiful rainbow-coloured patina on the case. The silvered ivory dial has some signs of use, but is untouched. It has gold faceted indexes and a clearly raised enamel signature with a prominent accent on "Genève". The outer "perlé" minute track is also of supreme quality - when magnified, every symmetrical cone for the minute divisions is revealed.