Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1949 Reference No: 2428 Movement No: 953'172 Case No: 422'113 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 10-200, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold and platinum Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe clasp signed Patek-Philippe & Co Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1949 with raised gold indexes and bracelet in yellow gold and platinum and its subsequent sale on February 15, 1950.
Catalogue Essay
This superlative reference 2428 is a particularly stunning specimen. Preserved in spectacular condition, it features an original pink dial that is very warm and has aged beautifully. Most notably, the raised hard enamel signature does not display any losses. The watch is preserved in most probably unpolished condition as evidenced by the crisp and fine bevels on the lugs. A tiny bit of polishing would have dulled the angles, yet this timepiece has remained unspoiled throughout the years. A further testament to its condition is a sharp and crisp hallmark that is stamped beneath the lug.
Most importantly, the present timepiece is accompanied by a lavish and heavy yellow gold and platinum rice grain bracelet which is confirmed in the Extract from the Archives, which is in itself a marvel. Incredibly imposing and arresting, this bi-colour bracelet is singular in appearance. According to research, this bracelet configuration has never appeared on any other Patek Philippe watch. This timepiece is also the only known reference 2428 with any confirmed bracelet, further adding to its unparalleled exclusivity and rarity.
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.