Vintage Patek Philippe perpetual calendars (either simple or associated with a chronograph) are not only considered by the cognoscenti as being the most beautiful in the world, but also are easily recognizable thanks to their elegant, taut lines and easy legibility, due to the day and date apertures at 12 o’clock on the dial.

References 2438/1, with a screw down caseback, and 2497 with a snap-on caseback, were launched in 1951. They were the world’s first perpetual calendars with center seconds. Reference 2438/1 is a gem of horological design with its balanced symmetry, spectacular curves, and large case size. It is very similar to that of the iconic reference 2499 second series that launched at about the same time.

The references 2497 and 2438/1 replaced the reference 1526, which was introduced in 1941 as the world’s first serially-produced perpetual calendar wristwatch. The two new references were markedly different, with larger cases over the 34mm diameter of the 1526. While the reference 2438/1 was released shortly after the 2497, featured a screw back for water resistance, making it a robust timepiece perfect for an active lifestyle that was truly decades ahead of its time. Of all the serialized complicated Patek Philippe watches from this era, the 2497 and 2438/1 are the rarest with a combined total of approximately 179 examples.

Amongst these, it is believed that only 35 examples of references 2438/1 in yellow gold were produced of which 28 are known. Reference 2438/1 is generally divided into two different series:

•first series with applied Arabic numeral and feuille hands

•second series, like the present watch, with applied baton numerals and dauphine hands

The present 2438/1 is well preserved with a Wenger case that remains in wonderful overall condition with sharp hallmarks and crisp bevels intact on all of its sloping, downturned lugs. The factory finish to the screw back is similarly crisp, and there are no marks visible to the notches from careless handling. The dial is completely original with the pleasingly aged varnish still present. With no signs of ever having been cleaned, washed, or restored in any way, the underlying silvered dial retains all of its original, raised, hard enamel printing with no losses. The watch features an English calendar with rectangular applied baton hour markers.

The caliber 27 SC Q was the most exclusive of mechanical movements with superb, hand-finishing and decoration throughout, as attested by the Geneva Seal stamp. Appearing for only the second time at public auction, it originally came to market consigned by the family of original owner when first sold in 2011. When the reference 2438/1 was first released it was a revolutionary timepiece for its large size and technical movement – so ahead of its time, it’s perfectly sized for today’s tastes. Along with its companion piece the 2497, these two Patek Philippe watches are amongst the most classic mid-20th century timepieces. The present lot isvnot only wonderfully well-preserved and exceptionally rare but it remains to date the only Patek Philippe vintage perpetual calendar with a screw down caseback making it an outstanding choice for the discerning collector.