Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1958 Reference No: 2585 Movement No: 765'935 Case No: 694'413 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, 12'''600 Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle, signed PPC Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Patek Philippe Accessories:Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1958 and its subsequent sale on November 4th, 1960. Provenance: Property from an Important Private Collector Literature: Published in Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Watches, p. 352 & 253 by John Goldberger
Provenance
Property from an Important Private Collector
Catalogue Essay
For many scholars, Patek Philippe’s first self-winding calibre, the 12’’’600, is the most beautiful automatic wristwatch movement ever designed. It is not only finished to the highest level and features the firm’s well-known Gyromax balance, it is crowned by an engine-turned rotor, made of solid 18 carat gold. It comes consequently as no surprise that this movement was always reserved for the manufacturer’s most precious watches, cased either in gold or platinum. Reference 2588 is, however, the only known exception as it cased in stainless steel.In absolute terms, reference 2588 is one of the rarest references Patek Philippe ever made. With a masculine diameter of 35mm, it has a strong presence thanks to its wide bezel and the substantial lugs. The case features a screw-back and the dial is finished to the highest standards. In other words, it was certainly not meant to be a more economic version, but possibly even the contrary and intended as a special project by the celebrated Geneva manufacturer.Preserved in overall excellent and all original condition, this very watch is prominently featured in John Goldberger’s Patek Philippe Steel Watches, p. 352 & 253 and remains to date the only example of this reference ever published. Unconfirmed sources say that only three pieces of this model were ever made. It is consequently very safe to assume that there is no better example of this mythical reference anywhere in the world.
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.