Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1957
    Reference No: 2540
    Movement No: 764’244
    Case No: 695’534
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12-600, 30 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 41mm length x 31.5mm width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe service invoice dated 3rd November 2021, presentation case. Further delivered with the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1957 and its subsequent date of sale on 9th December 1957.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Inspired by the Art Deco period, Patek Philippe has a rich history of producing watches in various shapes and forms. One of the most classic designs is their squared models with faceted lugs, such as the present reference 2540. In production from 1954 to the 1960s, this was Patek Philippe's first squared wristwatch fitted with an automatic movement. This original crown is signed with two back-to-back "P" letters, representing Patek Philippe’s first automatic caliber, the 12-600, which can also be found on the iconic reference 2526.

    The case is crafted by Ponti Gennari & Cie, identifiable by the Geneva Key number 26 stamped on the inner caseback. This esteemed manufacturer is renowned for producing high-quality watch bracelets and chains supplied to prominent watchmakers, it is also where the legendary casemaker Jean-Pierre Hagmann began his professional career.

    This particular example is further distinguished by its double-signed dial bearing the name of the Swiss retailer, Gübelin. Based in Zurich, Gübelin is one of the oldest watch retailers in Europe, having operated since 1854. Historically, they shared a close relationship with Patek Philippe, having printed their name on the dials of some of the manufacture’s most sought-after models.

    Fully serviced by Patek Philippe Geneva in 2021 and accompanied by an Extract from the Archives and presentation case, this watch is well-preserved in excellent condition, with crisp hallmarks on the case. It is a highly collectible and elegant wristwatch that represents an important period in artistic creation.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    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.

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Property of an Important Asian Collector

1014

Ref. 2540
A very rare and well-preserved yellow gold square-shaped double-signed wristwatch with small seconds, faceted lugs and presentation case, retailed by Gübelin

1957
41mm length x 31.5mm width
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$100,000 - 200,000 
€11,700-23,500
$12,800-25,600

Sold for HK$139,700

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Hong Kong Auction 23 - 24 November 2024