Rare 1946 Patek Philippe Reference 1518 watch, a masterpiece of craftsmanship once belonging to legendary sports entrepreneur Arthur M. Wirtz, to be sold at Heritage Signature® Auction.

Ask most anyone to name a brand of fine watch and you’ll probably get one of three answers: Rolex, Cartier and Omega. Perhaps someone would throw in the name Parmigiani or JLC if they’ve done a little research. However, to the true student of the timepiece, the serious collector who really knows his stuff, there is really only one name: Patek Philippe. On Dec. 9, when Heritage Auction Galleries presents a 1946 Reference 1518, those who know the name will be watching very closely.

Reference 1518 is an important and extremely Rare 18k gold wristwatch with chronograph, perpetual calendar, moon phases, register, tachometer and 18k gold buckle, previously owned by renowned sports entrepreneur Arthur Michael Wirtz, whose son Bill had a famous love-hate relationship with his hometown of Chicago.

This particular model of Patek Philippe watch represents what is widely considered to the very peak of wristwatch craftsmanship, all made precisely and painstakingly by hand, then polished and expertly assembled. The precision and skill that went into making such a delicate, intricate mechanism represents not only the mastery of a time-honored skill, but also the very zeitgeist of the mid-20th century and the rapid advances of the atomic age. Its value lay as much in its ingenious mechanical design as it does in its direct connection to the time of its making and the science and philosophy of the day.

The Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 was produced from 1941 to 1954, with a mere 281 total pieces completed. This was the first horological masterpiece to be produced in series that combined a perpetual calendar with the complexity of the chronograph. The under dial mechanism for the perpetual calendar functions was created in the Patek Philippe workshop by the famous watchmaker Victor Piguet. The 1518 is the most important perpetual chronograph for the serious collector, and has been the cornerstone for all the various models that have followed.

The original owner of the watch, Arthur Michael Wirtz (Jan. 23, 1901-July 21, 1983) was a prolific sports arena operator and Chicago businessman. A University of Michigan man, he became successful as a real estate investor and broker during the Depression and, in 1952, along with James D. Norris, purchased the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team. He was also an owner of the Chicago Stadium, the Chicago Bulls, the Olympic Stadium in Detroit and the Bismark Hotel in Chicago.

Wirtz’s son Bill had a famous love-hate relationship with his hometown of Chicago, after forbidding Blackhawks home games to be shown on TV unless they were picked up by national broadcasters...

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WINDSOR, Conn. — A pair of elegant mahogany Chippendale side chairs with shell carved back, pierced splats slip seats all set on cabriole legs with ball and claw feet, Massachusetts, circa 1760 were among the hundreds of items sold at Nadeau’s Auction Gallery’s annual American Antiques auction, held March 27.  The pair sold for $6,325.

Many of the coveted lots brought strong prices. Coveted jewelry lots include several Tiffany and Company pieces did very well, including a platinum and diamond bracelet bringing in $2,760, and a stunning antique choker set with turquoise and pearls sold for $3,565. All prices listed include the buyer’s premium.

Fresh-to-the-market merchandise included a German oval porcelain plaque with a hand painted partially clad woman in an original gilt frame with a Wagner signature, which brought $11,500.

A stunning Charles Ethan Porter still life oil on canvas painting of fruit sold for $13,800. A quaint primitive folk art oil on canvas portrait of a girl in a red dress, in the original gilt frame, marked on the rear “Henry Porter School Farmington, CT” sold for $4,888.

A Queen Anne tavern table with an oval top, scalloped apron, set on turned legs with pad feet went for $3,220. A Carl Clemens Moritz Rungius (1869-1959) etching titled “The Wanderer” surpassed estimates to $3,450. A lovely German porcelain plaque, featuring a scene of a young girl with an apple and cheese was presented in its original carved gilt Rococo frame brought in $3,738. A signed Hawks cut glass center bowl in an oval form with two large handles sold for $1,840.

 “We were very pleased with the turnout and happy with the results of the sale overall,” Heather Nadeau, Vice President had reported on the success of the auction.

Nadeau’s has two important auctions being held in the fall, featuring many fine art pieces to include a Hermann Herzog Florida scene and a George Sotter oil on canvas and they are also planning an important gun auction. Neadeau’s is currently accepting consignments for these auctions. They are located at 25 Meadow Rd., Windsor Conn., and can be reached at 860-246-2444, info@nadeausauction.com or www.nadeausauction.com . ■

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