To celebrate the tenth anniversary of its watch department, Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo will hold the Decade One thematic auction on November 8–9, 2025, at the Hotel President in Geneva. At its center: an extraordinary triptych of Ref. 1518 Perpetual Calendar Chronographs, a model launched in 1941 as the world’s first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch.
For the first time in history, Phillips will bring together three variations of the Patek Philippe Ref. 1518—stainless steel, pink-on-pink, and yellow gold—in a single auction. This “once-in-a-lifetime constellation” is unlikely to be repeated, marking the Geneva Decade One (2015–2025) sale as a truly historic event.
Each of the three timepieces represents a distinct facet of the Ref. 1518’s legacy—from the mythical rarity of steel to the refined rarity of pink-on-pink, and the timeless elegance of yellow gold. Together, they form a complete portrait of one of horology’s greatest achievements.
Stainless Steel Ref. 1518, 1943
The most coveted vintage wristwatch, and the very first steel 1518 ever made, engraved “1” on the caseback. Only four are known. In 2016, it sold for CHF 11,002,000, setting a record that still stands for a vintage Patek Philippe wristwatch. Estimate: CHF 8,000,000–16,000,000.
Pink-on-Pink Ref. 1518, 1947
A pink gold case with matching salmon dial, one of only about 15 known. This harmonious and rare configuration is among the most exclusive expressions of the 1518. Estimate: CHF 1,200,000–2,400,000.
Yellow Gold Ref. 1518, circa 1945
The quintessential 1518, recently serviced by Patek Philippe in 2025, underscoring its lasting legacy. Estimate: CHF 200,000–400,000.
By uniting these three metals, Phillips creates a generational moment in collecting—one that honors a decade of record-breaking watch sales and reaffirms the house’s standing as the premier stage for horological legends. For enthusiasts, Geneva this November promises to be remembered as a chapter where rarity, heritage, and history converge.
