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

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1961
    Reference No: 2597/1
    Movement No: 729'439
    Case No: 309'785
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-400 HS, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe buckle stamped PP.Co
    Dimensions: 35.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1961 and its subsequent sale on September 24, 1980.

  • Catalogue Essay

    First launched in 1958, reference 2597 is fitted with the calibre 12-400 HS, which signifies Heures Sautantes. The movement is an ingenious system that allows a traveller to keep track of two separate time zones. Designed by Louis Cottier, reference 2597 was Patek Philippe's very first dual time zone watch in addition to their world time Heures Universalles model.

    The Heuer Sautantes system was designed to feature a separately adjustable jumping hand in addition to the hour and minutes hand that displayed local time. Patek Philippe patented this system in 1959, with the Swiss Patent 340191 for a "Time Zone Watch". The cases of reference 2597 were produced by Antoine Gerlach, a firm that specialized in making cases for Patek Philippe.

    An artifact of the jet set age, this watch conjures images of Fellini's La Dolce Vita. During this time, the globe became the playground for The Beautiful People. The press breathlessly chronicled the comings and goings of the international elite and their larger-than-life behavior. One could easily travel to one destination for breakfast, only to hop on a plane and spend the rest of the day in another.

    To accompany them in their globe trotting adventures, travelers equipped themselves with a dual time wristwatch to combat the effects of jet lag and keep track of their rigorous schedules.

    Reference 2597 was made in two versions. The first series featured an independently adjustable hour hand whereas the second, such as the present watch, includes an additional hour hand. The present watch, bearing case number 729'439, is among the very first examples to feature an independent adjustable hour hand. It is a superlative specimen in so many ways.

    Its impeccable state of preservation truly sets this watch apart. It is, in our opinion, unpolished. Featuring full, thick lugs, it displays incredible proportions. The varying brushed and satin finishes are completely original, displaying how the watch originally left the Patek Philippe factory. Even the milled finish to the caseback is original. One would expect general wear to dull its proportions, yet this example remains sharp and crisp. The case features a sharp hallmark beneath the crown which is strikingly deep. The edges of the case are furthermore sharp to the touch.

    Most importantly, the inside caseback shows no service marks of any kind - proof that the watch has seen no intervention throughout its lifespan. Noteworthy is the fact that this watch sat in the retailer for 19 years before its sale on September 24, 1980.

    Equally impressive is the dial, boasting a warm patinated glow. The enamel signature remains raised and defined. The indexes have aged and show some oxidation - testament that it has been untouched for a long period of time.

    One can conclude the present watch sat in a safe for most of its live, having been cherished and loved by its owner. To date, no more than two pink gold 2597/1 with three hands and featuring the 12-400 calibre have appeared in the market, no less in such unspoiled and marvelous condition.

  • 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. 2597/1
A highly rare and remarkably crisp pink gold dual time wristwatch with additional adjustable jumping hour hand

1961
35.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF300,000 - 500,000 
€259,000-432,000
$310,000-517,000

Sold for CHF540,500

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

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017