Reference 2497 was Patek Philippe’s first perpetual calendar wristwatch featuring centre seconds. Whereas examples from the first generation have Arabic and dot numerals, watches from the late production have facetted baton numerals. The present watch, now offered for sale by the second owner since new, was sold to the UK in 1959 and features not only inside the case back and the lower right lug the UK gold marks from 1959, but also on the original gold Patek Philippe buckle. This fact, paired with its overall excellent condition, renders this watch a premium example of what many consider one of the most beautiful perpetual calendar wristwatches ever.