Included is the typical tiny propeller style seconds indicator in the "open" window to the movement. It is sometimes hard to see, more for looks that use, but it is fun to watch. Interestingly enough a date window is absent. Zenith probably decided it would have looked too cluttered with a date window. Actually, many 30 minute chronograph watches don't have date windows.The faceted hands are done in rhodium or black nickel, replica Gucci YA110506 Ladie's watch while the power reserve hand is in 18k rose gold (ooh, fancy). The case and dial are steel, with guilloche engraving on the dial in a 'damier' pattern. There are two sizes to the case, 36mm x 48mm, or 38mm x 51mm for the XL version. That seems a bit scant for an "XL" version, but so be it.
While produced for 13 years, only 281 examples of the 1518 were made and it remains a benchmark piece for any serious collector.The 1518 we've found today is from Antiquorum's June 10th auction, and what Corum 163-250-20-0F04FO30R Men's watch makes it so amazing is that it sat literally untouched in a drawer for 40 years, this one of the most original 1518s to hit the market in a long time.It is estimated to sell for $150,000 to $200,000, which we think is completely fair.It's also interesting to note that of the 280 or so 1518's ever made, only 4 were created in stainless steel, and that was during an Italian embargo on precious metals immediately prior to the second World War.
The steel 1518 is a true holy grail, and even Antiquorum expert Charles Tearle listed it as one of his own in April's Men's Corum Bubble GMT watch Journal Magazine.For more details on the 1518 coming up for sale next month, click here.To see a video of this all original Patek Philippe reference 1518 in the flesh and explained by expert Julien Schaerer, see below. Hodinkee in Antiquorum, Chronograph, Patek Philippe, Understanding a Classic, Vintage Monday, May 24, 2010 at 10:19PM
