Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1954 Reference No: 2545 Movement No: 724’504 Case No: 307’440 Model Name: Calatrava Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-400, 29 Jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 32mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Further accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of sale for the present example on 27th February 1956
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe reference 2545 is essentially a water proof version of the ref. 96, instead of having a snap on case back, it has a screwed down case back, whilst the rest of its features reminisce the ref. 96. The reference 2545 was introduced in 1951 and produced until 1959, with a total of 3 series produced throughout the span of 8 years. The present example is a second series fitted with a caliber 12 400 manufactured in 1954.
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.