Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII Geneva Saturday, May 13, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1954
    Reference No: 2508
    Movement No: 703'282
    Case No: 676'461
    Model Name: Calatrava
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 27 SC, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Patek Philippe alligator strap
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1954 and its subsequent sale on October 15th, 1954.

  • Catalogue Essay

    One of the most attractive Calatravas produced by Patek Philippe, the reference 2508 distinguishes itself by its waterproof case, sharing the same construction principle with the illustrious Patek Philippe chronograph reference 1463. Produced over 10 years, the reference 2508 is an icon of 20th Century design, where functionality is at the heart of its design. Elegant and sporty at the same time, the present pink dial is very legible with faceted dot and dagger indexes, and dauphine hands, while the pink gold seconds hand runs over a scale calibrated for 1/5 divisions. The dial is free from any blemish and there is no loss to the Patek Philippe Genève signature.

    Further enhancing its desirability and transforming rare into extraordinary is the Hausmann & Co. signature on the dial at six o’clock. Founded in Rome in 1794 by Ernst Hausmann and Hermann Frielingsdorf, Hausmann & Co. is one of Patek Philippe's most prominent retailers in Italy. To this day, Hausmann & Co. operates a Patek Philippe boutique on Rome’s prestigious Via dei Condotti. This reference 2508 is the only known Hausmann & Co-signed reference 2508 in 18K pink gold with pink dial, and one of only two Hausmann & Co-signed 2508s, with the other one (today lost) displaying a silvered dial. Housing the calibre 27SC (SC for Secondes au Centre), it was the very first direct center seconds movement produced in series by Patek Philippe. In keeping with the sporty vocation of the reference 2508, the movement was furthermore protected by a metal dust cover and a screw down caseback. Made by the Geneva-based casemaker Taubert, the case can be identified by the number 11 stamped within a key as well as the logo FB for François Borgel inside the caseback.

    Extremely attractive with its tone-on-tone flair and pure design, the present lot wears much larger than its 35 mm diameter thanks to its large down-turned lugs and imposing crown at three o’clock. Much rare that its yellow gold and stainless steel counterparts, only 27 pink gold versions are publicly known, of which 4 examples have a pink dial.

    The present pink on pink example with Hausmann & Co. signature is a unique testimony of the wonderful golden age of horology, and certain to delight the connoisseur.

  • 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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Σ66

Ref. 2508
A highly elegant pink gold wristwatch with center seconds and pink dial, retailed by Hausmann & Co.

1954
35mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 60,000 
€31,200-62,500
$34,300-68,500

Sold for CHF77,470

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII

Geneva Auction 13 - 14 May 2023