Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1947 Reference No: 2422 Movement No: 951'527 Case No: 647'607 Material: Platinum and diamonds Calibre: Manual, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Platinum Gay Frères Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 175mm Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Gay Frères Patek Philippe clasp stamped GF Dimensions: 28.5mm Width Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed, bracelet further signed GF Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated September 11, 1948 confirming the present watch is fitted with a platinum bracelet, Invoice dated September 11, 1948 stating the present watch was sold with a platinum case with diamond dial and platinum bracelet for 5,500 Swiss Francs and Patek Philippe Extrcat from The Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1947 and its subsequent sale in September 13, 1948, with diamond hour markers and platinum bracelet and presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
This incredible wristwatch is an exceptional specimen and offers so much for the wearer. Designed with spider lugs, it recalls the appearance of the famed chronograph reference 1579. Furthermore, it is fitted with a lavish and heavy platinum bracelet that is confirmed by not only the Certificate of Origin dated September 11, 1948, but also the original invoice that states the watch is cased in platinum "with diamond dial and platinum band". Interestingly, the watch was originally sold for 5,500 CHF in 1948 - an incredible amount of money for the time.
Its incredible state of preservation cannot be overstated. The diamond-set dial displays a hard enamel signature that is crisp and visible. The "spider lugs" retains their facets and are angled and sharp. There is a deep and legible hallmark on the caseband, as well as beneath the lugs. The bracelet does not show signs of overstretching and is furthermore signed GF for the legendary bracelet maker Gay Frères.
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.
Ref. 2422 An extremely rare and attractive platinum and diamond-set wristwatch with spider lugs, bracelet, certificate of origin, original invoice and presentation box
1947 28.5mm Width Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed, bracelet further signed GF