Among connoisseurs of collecting, there’s nothing quite like the Patek Philippe Ref. 1518. But one configuration stands apart from the rest: To date, only 14 'pink-on-pink' examples are known to exist, and we are proud to announce that the 15th known—featuring a long signature and ‘French' calendar wheel—is coming to the Important Watches auction at #SothebysNewYork on 9 June. What makes this previously unknown watch potentially unique? Around 1948, in the middle of the production run of the reference 1518, Patek Philippe changed the dial signature on all of their watches from long (Patek Philippe & Co, as seen here) to short (Patek Philippe). Research shows that less than half of the known 'pink-on-pink' examples (only 7 in total) featured this earlier, longer signature. This signature is also believed to be unique, with the text slightly compressed to fit neatly below the day/date apertures. Making its auction debut for the first time since originally purchased in 1947, it will b...