Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1963 Reference No: 2481 Movement No: 710'381 Case No: 2'630'201 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: manual, cal. 27SC, 18 jewels, stamped twice with the Geneva seal Bracelet/Strap: leather strap Clasp/Buckle: associated 18K yellow gold pin buckle Dimensions: 36.5mm diameter Signed: case, dial and movement signed Accessories: accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archive confirming production of the present watch in 1963 and its subsequent sale on April 5, 963, Patek Philippe presentation box and outer packaging
Catalogue Essay
On of the most unusual time-only models by Patek Philippe, reference 2481 is defined by its voluptuously sculpted lugs and protruding bezel. The overall aesthetics of the piece are entrusted to the juxtaposition of flowing curvy lines and sharply cut edges, a true masterpiece of case design. In production in the 1950s, it is one of the largest vintage time-only references made by Patek Philippe, featuring a very generous for the time 36.5mm diameter. The complexity and peculiarity of the case are further highlighted by the fact that this is one of the very few instances when Patek Philippe employed Le Locle-based casemaker Bernard Dubois, identified by the hallmark inside the case back: the number 121 (specific to the maker), inside hammer head (specific to Neuchatel Canton makers).
As most of the final effect of the watch is entrusted to the case, it is of paramount importance for it to be in very good condition if the connoisseur wants to truly appreciate this reference. Thankfully, this is absolutely true in the present specimen, which features extremely sharp and well defined lugs and bezel, and maintains intact every detail of its elaborate construction, down to the satin finish to the outside of the lugs. The dial as well can be described as spectacularly well preserved. Furthermore, it is an absolutely unknown example, appearing for the first time on the market on this occasion.
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.