Patek Philippe Chronograph, Ref 1491 in Yellow Gold, Circa 1950

Some watches are innately charismatic, and Patek Philippe’s reference 1491 is definitely one of them.Launched in 1940, reference 1491 was made in two versions, the first series housing calibre 12-120 and featuring small seconds, the second series presented in 1943, housing calibre 27 SC with centre sweep seconds. The most distinguishing element of this timepiece is its unusual and playful scroll lugs that give the watch an inimitable disruptive look much more in line with designs from the 1950s. However, reference 1491 is not just about creativity and design. The calibre 27SC housed in 18 kt gold within is in the purest Geneva tradition with its curving bridges and superb finish as testified by the Geneva seal stamped on it.Nicknamed by collectors "Riccio" meaning lock as the scroll lugs are similar to a curly lock of hair the reference 1491 is also nicknamed "Fernandel" by French collectors as the famous comedian was known to proudly wear this reference.