Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE Geneva Saturday, May 14, 2016 | Phillips

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016

  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1963
    Reference No: 2554/4
    Movement No: 977'674
    Case No: 696'401
    Model Name: "Manta Ray"
    Material: Platinum and Diamonds
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 9-90, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Dimensions: 41mm. Length, 26mm. Width
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Patek Philippe pouch and an Extract from the Archives confirming production of the watch in 1963 and sale on March 22, 1977 further confirming that the case was adorned by 22 diamonds

  • Catalogue Essay

    So influential is the present Patek Philippe so-called “Manta Ray”, when we think of the well-known modern Patek Philippe reference 5100, also referred to as the 10-day, we can trace its roots back to this model – the reference 2554/4. Without any doubt, the case of the 5100, made to celebrate the year 2000, reinterpreted the dynamic, curved forms on the original 2554.

    An exceedingly rare reference in any metal, it’s especially rare in platinum as in the present lot. The present reference 2554/4, is furthermore set with 22 tapered baguette cut diamonds on both side of the case. We know today only the present watch, making it possibly unique. The tapered baguette diamonds set inside the flared sides of the case is highly unusual, and illustrates incredible craftsmanship.

    The rectangular satin-silvered dial and applied baton hour markers, along with its curved crystal, all serve to enhance its elegant shape. The case today is in seemingly unpolished, excellent overall condition, and still retaining a crisp hallmark found in between the lugs at the 6 o’clock position. Being one of the few examples of this artistic reference known, presented in such exceptional condition, makes this a rare opportunity for 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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Patek Philippe

Ref. 2554/4
A possibly unique and highly attractive platinum rectangular wristwatch with diamond-set flared sides and silvered dial

1963
41mm. Length, 26mm. Width
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 70,000 
€36,700-64,300
$41,200-72,100

Sold for CHF50,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016