Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1957 Reference No: 2551 Movement No: 765’188 Case No: 2’604’780 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12-600 AT, 30 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe Henri Stern pin buckle Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Further accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture in 1957 and its subsequent date of sale on 27th October 1958
Catalogue Essay
Initially introduced in 1954, the Patek Philippe reference 2551 is powered by the self-winding caliber 12-600AT. The reference was introduced in four case materials with the production seized in 1960. The present example from circa 1959 in yellow gold is offered in attractive overall condition with an appealing step retained on the case made by A. Wenger. It is believed that approximately 1,100 pieces were encased in yellow gold over its production span.
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.