Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1950
    Reference No: 2442
    Movement No: 972'398
    Case No: 659'864
    Model Name: "Marilyn Monroe"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 9'''90, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated buckle
    Dimensions: 22.5mm. Width and 42.5mm. Length
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in yellow gold with yellow gold raised hour-markers in 1950 and its subsequent sale on 11 October 1950.

  • Catalogue Essay

    First launched in 1948, reference 2442 is playfully dubbed "Marilyn Monroe" due to its curved and voluptuous case shape. During the postwar period, Patek Philippe made many strides in the field of watch design. Showcasing their creative and innovative abilities, the firm created some of the most unconventional and striking watches of the period. Cases took on daring new shapes. While some featured asymmetric case designs such as the celebrated Gilbert Albert watches, others featured flared or teardrop lugs, which was a clear departure from the clean and smooth lines of the Calatrava wristwatch.

    Reference 2442 most notably features curved and flared lugs, its 42.5 millimeter case sits incredibly well and gives a lot of presence on the wrist. The reference was cased mostly in yellow gold, like the present watch. It was also manufactured in pink gold and platinum. According to research, only 49 yellow gold examples have appeared on the market thus far, and this is the second known yellow gold example with a pink dial.

    The present watch is preserved in attractive condition, with smooth and strong lines, the beautiful champagne dial furthermore featuring a strong hard enamel signature. It is one of only two known yellow gold examples to feature the present dial configuration.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.

    Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.

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Ref. 2442
A fine and rare yellow gold wristwatch with flared lugs and pink champagne dial

1950
22.5mm. Width and 42.5mm. Length
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 35,000 
€23,200-32,400
$24,800-34,700

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017