Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
Year: Circa 1953
Reference No: 2509
Movement No: 722’556
Case No: 673’373
Model Name: Anti-Magnetic Calatrava
Material: 18K pink gold
Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-400, 18 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe buckle
Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement, strap, and buckle signed.
Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present watch in 1954 and its subsequent sale on June 14th, 1954.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe’s companion reference to the sporty 2508, the 2509 notably differs with its feature of subsidiary seconds, but they are otherwise identical: the sculptural lugs, broad, sloping bezel, screw-down caseback, and anti-magnetic dust cover on the movement.

The reference was in production from 1950 to the late 1960s and features an evolution: early versions are fitted with lozenge and triangular indexes, such as the present example, and later versions with lapped indexes and beady minute divisions. The caliber powering the model undergoes changes as well: while at the beginning it was cal. 12-120, it then became 12-400, and finally the anti-magnetic 12-AM400 at the very end of production. All cases of references 2508 and 2509 were made by Geneva-based casemaker Taubert, identified not only by the number 11 within a key, stamped inside the back, but also by its logo FB for, François Borgel, similarly found inside the case back.

Further enhancing its desirability and transforming rare into extraordinary is the Hausmann signature on the dial of the present lot. Founded in Rome in 1794 by Ernst Hausmann and Hermann Frielingsdorf, Hausmann & Co. is one of Patek Philippe's most prominent retailers in Italy. To this day, Hausmann & Co. operate a Patek Philippe boutique on Rome’s prestigious Via dei Condotti. This reference 2509 is the only known Hausmann-signed 2509 in 18 karat pink gold, and one of only three total Hausmann-signed 2509s, with the other two executed in yellow gold.

Not seen on the auction market in thirty-five years, this Borgel-cased, antimagnetic Calatrava is an exquisite example of the mid-century ingenuity of Patek Philippe. The rarity diptych of pink gold and double-signed dial that renders this reference 2509 possibly unique in the world of watches also makes it nearly irresistible to the most discerning of collectors.
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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