Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII Geneva Saturday, May 13, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1958
    Reference No: 2577
    Movement No: 749'008
    Case No: 699'584
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 10-200, 18 jewels, stamped twice with the Geneva Seal
    Bracelet/Strap: Original vintage Patek Philippe alligator strap
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, buckle and strap signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1958 and its subsequent sale on October 27, 1958, original numbered Patek Philippe sale tag and presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    When associating the words “vintage Patek Philippe” and “grand feu enamel dial”, the automatic reference 2526 and its successor reference 3428 immediately come to mind.

    However, there is another, extremely elusive reference which mounts that same kind of dial: ref. 2577, launched in 1956 and so rare that so far only 12 examples in total are known, 8 in yellow gold and 4 in pink gold, including the present watch.

    The rarity of a four-known-examples variation coupled with the grand feu enamel dial - a topos of mid-century Patek Philippe collecting, given the quality and difficulty of realisation of such dials - would be more than enough to make this an extremely collectible timepiece. But then, a look at the condition of its case elevates the piece to the stratosphere of collectability. The term “NOS” tends to be abused at times, but it is absolutely appropriate to describe this case. Still bearing its original sale tag, the sticker to the back and its original bracelet, it is obvious that the present watch never even got close to the polishing table.

    This extraordinarily rare piece has appeared only twice at auction so far. Once, when it was freshly rediscovered, in 2003, and then again 2004, before disappearing into the present private collection. It is worth noting that in 2003, some of the pink gold hour makers were not correctly mounted on the dial when it was offered at auction. In fact, the indexes had been kept by the original owner, who consigned them alongside the watch. For obvious reasons, the winning bidder decided to have these indexes immediately mounted on the dial and brought the watch back to its original, unworn condition.

  • 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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Σ67

Ref. 2577
An incredibly scarce and collectible pink gold wristwatch with enamel dial, original hang tag and presentation box

1958
35mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, buckle and strap signed

Estimate
CHF70,000 - 140,000 
€72,900-146,000
$80,000-160,000

Sold for CHF203,200

Contact Specialist

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

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII

Geneva Auction 13 - 14 May 2023