Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XI Geneva Sunday, June 28, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1954
    Reference No: 2497
    Movement No: 888'056
    Case No: 679'790
    Model Name: "Secondi al Centro"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 27SC Q, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Gay Frères expandable bracelet, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold expandable clasp stamped 2.52
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed, bracelet further signed GF
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1954 with raised gold indexes and its subsequent sale on June 7, 1955.

  • Catalogue Essay

    A truly landmark model, reference 2497 is the first serially produced Patek Philippe perpetual calendar wristwatch to feature centre seconds. First introduced in 1951, it is considered one of manufacture’s most beautiful designs ever made, eliciting pure joy and admiration from its beholder. The elegant curved case, produced first by Vichet and then Wenger, hugs the wrist perfectly. The watch’s overall symmetry is furthermore mesmerizing to the eye, enhanced by its robust presence on the wrist.

    Reference 2497 is one of Patek Philippe’s rarest serially produced perpetual calendar models. Research shows that a combined 179 examples of reference 2497 and its water resistant sibling 2438/1 were produced during their 12 year production period.

    The present watch is an exceedingly attractive specimen. Featuring crisp fluting to the lugs and sharp vertical finishes on the side of the lugs, it also displays two hallmarks which are deep and crisp beneath the lugs. Interestingly, there are London hallmarks on the inside caseback and underneath the lugs, that correspond to 1954. This is fitting and correct, as it corresponds with the year of manufacture of the present timepiece. The dial is preserved in beautiful condition, with hard enamel writing. The accent above the "e" in "Genève" is crisp and visible, and there are no losses to the date outer ring.

  • 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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192

Ref. 2497
A very rare and incredibly well-preserved yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with center seconds, moonphases and bracelet

1954
37mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed, bracelet further signed GF

Estimate
CHF200,000 - 300,000 
€185,000-278,000
$219,000-328,000

Sold for CHF437,500

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XI

Geneva Auction 27 - 28 June 2020