For many scholars, Patek Philippe’s first self-winding calibre, the 12’’’600, is the most beautiful automatic wristwatch movement ever designed. It is not only finished to the highest level and features the firm’s well-known Gyromax balance, it is crowned by an engine-turned rotor, made of solid 18 carat gold. It comes consequently as no surprise that this movement was always reserved for the manufacturer’s most precious watches, cased either in gold or platinum. Reference 2588 is, however, the only known exception as it cased in stainless steel.In absolute terms, reference 2588 is one of the rarest references Patek Philippe ever made. With a masculine diameter of 35mm, it has a strong presence thanks to its wide bezel and the substantial lugs. The case features a screw-back and the dial is finished to the highest standards. In other words, it was certainly not meant to be a more economic version, but possibly even the contrary and intended as a special project by the celebrated Geneva manufacturer.Preserved in overall excellent and all original condition, this very watch is prominently featured in John Goldberger’s Patek Philippe Steel Watches, p. 352 & 253 and remains to date the only example of this reference ever published. Unconfirmed sources say that only three pieces of this model were ever made. It is consequently very safe to assume that there is no better example of this mythical reference anywhere in the world.