Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1951 Reference No: 2481 Movement No: 701'298 Case No: 668'427 Material: 18k pink gold and enamel Calibre: Mechanical, 27 SC, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18k pink gold Gay Frères bracelet, 180 mm. maximum length Clasp/Buckle: 18k pink gold Gay Frères folding deployant clasp Dimensions: 36.5 mm. diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with cloisonné enamel dial 'Virgin Forest' in 1951 and its subsequent sale on 6 June 1952. Literature: For another example of a cloisonné enamel Jungle wristwatch, please see Patek Philippe Museum Patek Philippe Watches, Volume II, page 363.
Catalogue Essay
During the 1940s to the 1960s, exceptional cloisonné enamel dials were created for all the prestigious watch manufacturers during this period. The cloisonné enamel technique is a very important aspect of horology. Fine copper or gold wires are placed on a metal base to define the subject of the enamel. The sections created with the wire are then filled with enamel. The enamel is then coloured by powdered metal oxidise and fired, which then solidifies the enamel paste, resulting in a beautiful work of art.
The 'Jungle' or 'Tropical Landscape' depicts a topical setting with palm trees and has applied gold Roman numerals and dot indexes. The present watch is in outstanding condition and the dial is free of any restorations and exhibits beautiful colours, from the green palm trees to the various fruits. The case is incredibly crisp with strong hallmarks and original finishes and proportions. Phillips is delighted to present this highly important cloisonné enamel wristwatch to the market today.
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.