Patek Philippe Reference 1578GM w/ Extract from the Archives Unpolished & Ephemera

This Patek Philippe reference 1578GM is a very rare and distinguished model, only made by special order in the 1950s for General Motors, and the only Patek Philippe reference named specifically to include a company’s name. As notable, this is by far the nicest example of the reference 1578GM I have ever seen.

It once belonged to one of most senior GM executives, its senior man in London and later head of GM overseas operations. These pieces were specifically commissioned by GM to honor its senior executives reaching 25+ years at the company. There are approximately 20 examples known and these are highly admired by Patek Philippe collectors.

The case measures 35.5mm in diameter (40.5mm lug to lug) and appears to be unpolished. The dial features a gilt Patek Philippe signature and seconds track with an amazing 3, 6, 9, and 12 applied Arabic numeral layout with sub seconds. It appears to be untouched.

For those looking for an outstanding vintage Patek Philippe, this is an incredible find! An astute Patek Philippe collector who came to know the original owner’s family purchased it several years ago.

It also comes with many terrific and rare materials, including photographs of the original owner with President Nixon, various letters with the GM Chairman and other documents, including a copy of the virtually never seen Henri Stern Watch Agency yellow card from New York reflecting when it was first ordered from Patek Philippe by GM. The original owner, Philip W. Copelin, is also featured in Maurice Platt’s great book ‘An Addiction to Automobiles: The occupational autobiography of an engineer and journalist’, a copy of which is also included.

It does not come with box but does include an Extract from the Archives! We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It is on a matching Patek Philippe strap and buckle.

PRICE: $49,000 (Item: SBUXYT3832)