Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1952 Reference No: 2452 Movement No: 959’424 Case No: 659’531 Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 10-200, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 35mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: With a COPY of Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1952 and its subsequent date of sale on 16th March 1953.
Catalogue Essay
First released in 1949, the Patek Philippe ref. 2452 features a two-piece snapback case with fancy fluted lugs made by master casemaker Dubois identifiable via key no. 171. Although it essentially bears a similar aesthetic with the ref. 2481, the ref. 2452 measures 2mm larger providing a rather timeless wrist presence even in today's standards.
Released in a total of two series, with the earliest bearing manual cal. 10-200, later examples featured the larger cal. 10-400. Produced only in yellow and pink gold it is estimated that:
Early examples with cal. 10-200 Yellow gold – Approximately 200 pieces made with an estimated 20 pieces known in the market Pink gold – Approximately 150 pieces made with an estimated 14 pieces known in the market
Later examples with cal. 10-400 Yellow gold – Approximately 100 pieces made with an estimated 11 pieces known in the market Pink gold – Approximately 80 pieces made with an estimated 8 pieces known in the market
The present pink gold specimen from 1952 confirmed by a copy of the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives is not only part of the first series bearing the cal. 10-200, it also features a highly rare glossy black dial. Stunning in its combination, the present timepiece certainly stands out from the majority of the reference fitted with silver dials. Reappearing in the auction market after a decade from private hands, the opportunity has arrived for this spectacular ref. 2452 to find a new home.
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.
