Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1953 Reference No: 2481 Movement No: 702'370 Case No: 668'418 Material: 18k gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 27SC, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Brown Patek Philippe crocodile strap Clasp/Buckle: 18k gold Patek Philippe buckle Dimensions: 37mm diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with raised gold hour markers in 1953 and its subsequent sale on 29 October 1953.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1950, Patek Philippe’s reference 2481 is one of the most sought after vintage time only watches available on the market today. With its oversized 37mm diameter case, the watch has a wonderfully classic line and appeal. The firm chose this model to sport some of their most rare and unusual cloisonné enamel dials. The present example is in wonderful original condition with strong case proportions and lovely two-tone dial. Its aesthetic beauty is sure to please the most discriminating collector.
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.