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.
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.