166
Patek Philippe
Ref. 2551
A fine and probably unique white gold wristwatch with black lacquer dial and diamond indexes
- Estimate
- CHF80,000 - 140,000€74,100 - 130,000$79,300 - 139,000
CHF162,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Patek Philippe
- Year
- 1957
- Reference No
- 2551
- Movement No
- 764'389
- Case No
- 698'129
- Material
- 18K white gold
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 12-600, 30 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K Patek Philippe deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 36mm. Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of production of the present watch in 1957 and its subsequent sale on January 28, 1958.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Sophisticated, understated yet bold, Patek Philippe’s reference 2551 is one of the firm's most iconic automatic models.
The case architecture is incredibly complex, with downturned stepped lugs similar to those found in another iconic Patek Philippe model - the reference 2499. The movement itself is quasi mythical, as the automatic cal 12-600AT is Patek Philippe’s first automatic movement and considered by many as the finest self-winding movement ever designed by any manufacturer in history.
Predominantly cased in yellow or pink gold, examples in white metal are rare and few. To find a model cased in white gold with a gloriously untouched black lacquer dial and full diamond indexes is the equivalent of a horological unicorn. To date, we are not aware of any other model with this dial and case metal combination, making the present lot most probably unique.
This watch, having resided in one of the world’s most important and prestigious private collections, has remained in superb all original condition and is presented to the auction market for the first time. Its condition, along with probably unique dial makes the present lot a must have for the connoisseur.
The case architecture is incredibly complex, with downturned stepped lugs similar to those found in another iconic Patek Philippe model - the reference 2499. The movement itself is quasi mythical, as the automatic cal 12-600AT is Patek Philippe’s first automatic movement and considered by many as the finest self-winding movement ever designed by any manufacturer in history.
Predominantly cased in yellow or pink gold, examples in white metal are rare and few. To find a model cased in white gold with a gloriously untouched black lacquer dial and full diamond indexes is the equivalent of a horological unicorn. To date, we are not aware of any other model with this dial and case metal combination, making the present lot most probably unique.
This watch, having resided in one of the world’s most important and prestigious private collections, has remained in superb all original condition and is presented to the auction market for the first time. Its condition, along with probably unique dial makes the present lot a must have for the connoisseur.
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.
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