Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1953 Reference No: 2508 Movement No: 702’589, further stamped HOX Case No: 676'400 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 27SC, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gilt Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1953 and its subsequent sale on November 18th, 1953. Literature: Examples of the reference 2508 illustrated in Patek Philippe Museum, Patek Philippe Watches, Volume II, p. 230.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1952, the reference 2508 was Patek Philippe’s first time-only model to feature a waterproof Calatrava case. In production from 1952 until 1960, the generous 35mm Taubert-sourced case featured the same shape and proportions from that of another iconic Patek Philippe, the waterproof chronograph reference 1463. Both watches have a sporty appeal that lends a casual air and have now become beacons for mid-20th century timepiece design with a masculine shape and well-balanced proportions. The model was produced in yellow and rose gold, as well as in stainless steel. Collectors passionately vie for important time-only models like the reference 565, 570, the first automatic, the reference 2526 and like the present lot, the reference 2508.
The present example is a handsome and premium example of this oversized Calatrava reference. It features an extremely rare dial with luminous hands and markers, and is only the 13th known watch with this rare dial type. Applied gold hour markers and dauphine hands further enhance its attractiveness. The prestigious caliber 27 SC is stamped with the ‘HOX’ import mark, along with a crisp ‘18K’ hallmark stamped on the outside case back - both features found on timepieces destined for the Americas. The dial has aged gracefully over the years, with the luminous material in the hands and hour markers turning a pleasing sandy brown hue. The raised, hard enamel signature is perfectly intact with no losses to the lettering and accent. The case remains sharp and crisp, with strong proportions and a crisp hallmark found on the underside of the lugs. In superb overall condition and appearing for the first time at auction, it’s a wonderful example from the golden age of horology certain to delight the connoisseur.
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.
