Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1954 Reference No: 2546 Movement No: 742'484 Case No: 682'527 Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 10-200, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 33mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe fitted box and Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1954 and subsequent sale on October 27, 1956 Literature: A similar watch is published in Patek Philippe Genève, Wristwatches, by Martin Huber and Alan Banbery p. 154.
Catalogue Essay
From a design perspective, the present Patek Philippe reference 2546 is theatrical, graphic, powerful and definitely playful. The superbly refined case with its flat top section twirls into a curvaceous ribbon shape for the lugs to extend beneath the case. It has a dramatic baroque effect adding to the overall exuberance and grandeur of the design.
The reference 2546 was produced for only a short period between 1954 and 1955 and is a complete breakthourgh from the venerable Geneva brand’s more Calvinist classic designs. Made in pink gold and yellow gold, scholarship believes that less than 10 were ever cased in pink gold. Only three pink gold models have ever been offered within an international auction room, one example having been bought by Patek Philippe for their museum.
In absolutely superb condition with a lovely champagne patina dial, the present lot will please the artistically inclined collector.
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.