Patek Philippe 1491J Vintage Fancy Scroll Lugs Calatrava Watch, made in 18K yellow gold. The watch measures 34 mm in diameter, and is fitted with a 12"' 120 caliber movement # 928604, case # 641198.  The watch is accompanied with the original crown, original dial, and hands and original crystal, with an extra Lucite crystal. further the watch is accompanied with a Patek Philippe buckle.  The watch shows little signs of use or of ware.  The watch was made in 1949-1950

Essay:  The 1491 was launched in 1940.  There were two versions, the first series with caliber 27 with a sweep second hand, and subsidiary seconds, the second, such as the present watch, with caliber 12-120 PS movement  The model is distinguished by its highly decorative scroll lugs, demonstrating Patek Philippe avant-garde spirit by using varying shapes and forms, breaking away from the straight-forward circular shape with plain lugs. Inspiration from architecture, geometry and history created a new graciousness of form with rounded corners, stepped and triple-stepped forms and other elements, like scrolls. The 1491 is a perfect example of Patek Philippe's continuous search for new and avant-garde innovations, whether in the movement of their watches, or, as in this instance, in the design. The unusual lugs of this model are premonition of a new era of watchmaking design that will fully dawn from the sixties on with unusual case shapes, stepped bezels and fancy lugs. It is remarkable how Patek Philippe anticipated the trend by two decades

Specifications:  
Movement: 12"-120 sub second manual wind 18-jewel movement
Case Diameter:  34mm
Dial Color: Silvered
Band Type: Navy blue Calfskin
Functions: Time only
Condition: Excellent mint condition, original dial, crown and Dauphine hands