Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1953
    Reference No: 2481
    Movement No: 703'039
    Case No: 678'619
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 27 SC, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K pink gold Gay Frères bracelet, max length 190mm. and additional leather strap
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe buckle stamped PPCo and 18K pink gold Gay Frères folding clasp signed GF
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed, bracelet signed GF for Gay Frères
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with raised gold hour markers in 1953 and its subsequent sale on 15 August 1954.
    Literature: A similar example is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by M. Huber & A. Banbery, Second Edition, page 205.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1950, reference 2481 was fitted with a variety of dials, ranging from polychrome enamel landscapes, to portraits of royal family members. The model is instantly recognizable due its case. Made by Bernard Dubois, it features elongated claw lugs and a concave bezel, giving the watch a lot of presence on the wrist - a huge step away from the reserved and classic proportions of the Calatrava wristwatch.

    The reference is equipped with the famous caliber 27SC, which was, at the time Patek Philippe's only sweep centre calibre available on the market.

    To date, approximately 15 examples of reference 2481 cased in pink gold and featuring a silvered dial are known to the auction market.

    Of note is the spectacular condition of the watch. Featuring two hallmarks, the "step" on each lug is incredibly crisp and prominent. Particularly impressive is the contrasting satin and mirror finish between the lugs, attesting to the original, untouched nature of the case.

    The bezel is equally defined, showing the sharp edge where it curves and becomes concave. The dial features a strong raised signature that has not seen cleaning of any kind. This is especially impressive when one remembers that the watch is over sixty years of age.

    This watch is accompanied by a beautiful pink gold "bamboo" bracelet by Gay Frères - the authority on manufacturing bracelets, particularly during the second half of the 20th century.

  • 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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226

Ref. 2481
A fine and rare pink gold wristwatch with centre seconds, elongated lugs and Gay Frères bracelet

1953
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed, bracelet signed GF for Gay Frères

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 30,000 
€17,300-25,900
$20,700-31,000

Sold for CHF41,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017