Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE Geneva Saturday, May 14, 2016 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1953
    Reference No: 2497
    Movement No: 888'048
    Case No: 673'783
    Model Name: "Secondi al Centro"
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 27SC Q, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold, signed PPCo
    Dimensions: 37mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: The present watch is accompanied by the original Certificate of Origin and an Extract from the Archives confirming date of production in 1953 and its subsequent sale on September 8, 1956.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The reference 2497 holds special value to collectors, as it was the brand’s first perpetual calendar wristwatch made in series to feature center seconds.

    In 1951, reference 2497 was first introduced slightly earlier than its water-resistant equivalent, the reference 2438/1. Due to their balanced symmetry, spectacular curves, and large case sizes, they are considered by many to be one of the most beautiful perpetual calendar wristwatches ever made.

    Dials of the first series of reference 2497, as seen in the present example, were fitted with Arabic and dot applied gold hour markers, whereas models produced later feature faceted, baton hour markers. This wristwatch features a stunning, satin-finished silvered dial and is fitted with beautiful feuille hands.

    Scholarship tells us that there were a combined total of only 179 examples made across both references 2497 and 2438/1, with movement numbers spanning from 888.000 to 888.178. The present example with movement number 888.048 indicates that it was one of the earlier example. The case was produced by Wenger, recognizable by the rounded caseback, shorter lugs and larger diameter. The stepped claw-shaped lugs perfectly complement the beautiful concave bezel. All of these curves, edges, and shapes shine through perfectly due to the remarkable state of preservation of its case.

    The original certificate is still some 60 years after its original purchase quite a miracle given the fragility of the paper. Now coming from a very distinguished collector this example must be considered one of the finest of this legendary reference.

  • 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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Ref. 2497
A very rare and highly attractive yellow gold wristwatch with moon phases and sweep center seconds

1953
37mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF300,000 - 500,000 
€275,000-459,000
$309,000-515,000

Sold for CHF545,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016