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Patek Philippe
Ref. 492
An extremely rare and fine rectangular stainless steel wristwatch with sub-seconds and possibly unique dial configuration
Full-Cataloguing
- One of approximately only 6 examples of the reference 492 in steel
- Featuring a possibly unique dial layout
- Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives
Produced in 1938, this Patek Philippe reference 492 is a rare example of the maison’s pre-war Art Deco wristwatches. During this period, Patek Philippe predominantly created elegant dress watches in precious metals, making stainless steel examples from the 1930s particularly uncommon.
The rectangular case reflects the geometric aesthetic of the Art Deco period, while the dial is distinguished by an unusual arrangement of painted hour markers, combining square and rectangular indices. This configuration is possibly unique among known examples of the reference, giving the watch a distinctive character compared with more typical examples.
Reference 492 was produced in limited numbers, and stainless steel examples are exceptionally scarce, with approximately six examples believed to be known today. The present watch is accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its production date.
With its unusual case material, distinctive dial layout, and documented provenance, this example represents a remarkable piece of Patek Philippe’s early wristwatch production and a rare surviving example from the Art Deco era.
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since 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.