Patek Philippe: Vintage Chronograph 1943

Patek Philippe first launched reference 591 in 1938. At the time of production, the model was entirely different from anything that the manufacture had ever produced. The case, produced by Wenger, featured “bean” shaped lugs, lovingly dubbed “Fagiolino”, or “little bean” by Italian collectors. The angular, and relatively sharp lines starkly contrasted with the smooth Calatrava design of reference 130 and 533. Reference 591 was also larger than its chronograph siblings, boasting a 34 millimeter case diameter, giving the watch a modern aesthetic today.

Reference 591 was produced in exceedingly small numbers. In fact, it is one the rarest chronograph models that the firm produced throughout the 1930s and 1950s. 19 examples in yellow gold are known and 27 in pink gold. None in steel.

Our piece is delivered with extract of archives indicating a production in 1942 and a delivery in February 1943

There is a date engraved on the back, we decided to keep it as it comes with the story of the watch but i can easely been removed.