165
Patek Philippe
Ref. 2554
"Manta Ray"
A highly attractive and rare white gold rectangular wristwatch with flared sides and silvered dial
- Estimate
- CHF15,000 - 25,000€13,900 - 23,200$14,900 - 24,800
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Patek Philippe
- Year
- 1956
- Reference No
- 2554
- Movement No
- 976'871
- Case No
- 696'457
- Model Name
- "Manta Ray"
- Material
- 18K white gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 9-90, 18 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Crocodile
- Clasp/Buckle
- White gold PPCo pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 41mm. Length, 26mm. Width
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture of the present lot in 1956 and its subsequent sale on May 30, 1958.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe’s Ref 2554 “Manta Ray” is one of the brand’s rarest post war form watches.
Its angular yet perfectly flowing design can be compared to the bold, audacious and somewhat futuristic designs of American automobiles from the 1950s. So influential is the Patek Philippe “Manta Ray ” that when we think of the well-known modern Patek Philippe reference 5100, also referred to as the 10-day, we can trace its roots back to this model. Without any doubt, the case of the 5100, made to celebrate the year 2000, reinterpreted the dynamic, curved forms on the original 2554.
An exceedingly rare reference in any metal, it’s especially rare in white gold as in the present lot, scholarship knows of only 8 examples in white gold. The opaline silver dial and applied baton hour markers, along with its curved crystal underline the sophisticated and elegant shape of the watch.
The case of the present watch is in excellent condition and most probably unpolished still retaining a crisp hallmark found in between the lugs at the 6 o’clock position. Being one of the few examples of this avant garde reference known, presented in such attractive condition, makes this a rare opportunity for collectors.
Its angular yet perfectly flowing design can be compared to the bold, audacious and somewhat futuristic designs of American automobiles from the 1950s. So influential is the Patek Philippe “Manta Ray ” that when we think of the well-known modern Patek Philippe reference 5100, also referred to as the 10-day, we can trace its roots back to this model. Without any doubt, the case of the 5100, made to celebrate the year 2000, reinterpreted the dynamic, curved forms on the original 2554.
An exceedingly rare reference in any metal, it’s especially rare in white gold as in the present lot, scholarship knows of only 8 examples in white gold. The opaline silver dial and applied baton hour markers, along with its curved crystal underline the sophisticated and elegant shape of the watch.
The case of the present watch is in excellent condition and most probably unpolished still retaining a crisp hallmark found in between the lugs at the 6 o’clock position. Being one of the few examples of this avant garde reference known, presented in such attractive condition, makes this a rare opportunity for collectors.
Provenance
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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