Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1954 Reference No: 2508 Movement No: 703'530 Case No: 679'146 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 27SC Bracelet/Strap: Leather Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1954 and its subsequent sale on April 29th, 1955.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Phillip’s reference 2508 is one of the most popular time only watches available on the market today, and the brands first non-complicate watch in a water-resistant Calatrava case. A charismatic timepiece, it has a masculine sporty attraction. This is further enhanced by the fact it shares the same case shape and proportions as the celebrated water-resistant chronograph, reference 1463. In production from 1951 until approximately 1960, the model was produced in yellow and rose gold, as well as stainless steel.
The present example is a handsome example of the large size Calatrava wristwatch. Today’s collectors often overlook time only watches, however the reference 2508 has become a beacon for classical horology with its modern appeal and it is a watch all collectors should consider.
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.