1129
Patek Philippe
Ref. 2497 "First Series"
"Secondi al Centro"
A very rare and highly attractive yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with mesh bracelet, center seconds, moon phases and Extract from the Archives
Full-Cataloguing
- The first serially produced, and the only vintage Patek Philippe perpetual calendar wristwatch to feature centre seconds
- Extremely scarce with only 180 examples produced including ref. 2438/1
- Present example is part of the First Series
- Exceptionally well-preserved case with strong proportions and crisp hallmarks
The ref. 2497 is the first serially produced, and the only vintage Patek Philippe perpetual calendar wristwatch to feature centre seconds. It was in production during the 1950s (launched in 1951) in extremely scarce numbers, and it is considered one of manufacture’s most beautiful designs ever made. In fact, the case is the same as that of ref. 2499, without the chronograph pushers. Its large 37mm diameter and unmistakable sculpted lugs render it a masterpiece of horological design as relevant and seductive today as it was 70 years ago.
It is powered by the perpetual calendar version of cal. 27 SC (thus: 27SC Q - Seconde au Centre Quantième) which was made in exactly 180 examples, bearing consecutive number from 888’000 and 888’179. Number 888'000 was fitted in a prototype case, the remaining 179 movements were employed in "standard" ref. 2497 and its waterproof twin ref. 2438/1. It is estimated that about 110-120 examples of ref. 2497 were made in yellow, pink, white gold and platinum, and the rest was employed for ref. 2438-1 making the two "Secondi al Centro" (their Italian nickname meaning, unsurprisingly, "Center Seconds") models the rarest serially produced perpetual calendar wristwatches made by the manufacturer.
Due to their balanced symmetry, spectacular curves, and large case sizes, they are considered by many to be one of the most beautiful perpetual calendar wristwatches ever made. Dials of the First Series of ref. 2497, as seen in the present example, were fitted with Arabic and dot raised hour markers, whereas models produced later feature faceted, baton hour markers. This wristwatch features a stunning silvered satin finished dial fitted with beautiful feuille hands. The case was produced by Wenger, recognizable by the rounded caseback, shorter lugs and larger diameter. The stepped-shaped lugs perfectly complement the beautiful concave bezel.
The present ref. 2497 is an early example made in the first quarter of production. With its taught lines, oversized case, and well-preserved dial, making this a worthy addition for a distinguished collection of complicated vintage Patek Philippe watches. Confimed by its Extract from the archives production in 1953, the watch is exceptionally well-preserved with strong case proportions and crisp hallmarks.
Further distinguished by a later yellow gold Patek Philippe bracelet and clasp, this charming watch is one of the most spectacularly preserved examples known. The present ref. 2497 in yellow gold is an absolute pinnacle of watch collecting both in terms of aesthetics as well as in terms of rarity and preservation.
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.