Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1957 Reference No: 2551 Movement No: 764'795 Case No: 698'133 Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, 12-600 AT, 30 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Patek Philippe pin buckle stamped PPC Dimensions: 35.5 mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe pouch, presentation box and Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1957 and its subsequent sale on 23 August 1958.
Catalogue Essay
Classic and elegant, reference 2551 is one of Patek Philippe's most iconic automatic timepieces. First introduced in 1954, the model was fitted with caliber 12-600AT - Patek Philippe's first automatic movement. The watch has a relatively large case size that is further enhanced by downturned fluted lugs. The model was most often cased in yellow gold. To date, no more than a few handful of examples cased in white gold have appeared on the market.
The present watch has been preserved in excellent condition with strong fluting to the lugs. While one hallmark is present on the side of the lugs, another is punched on the opposite end. Of particular note is the double "PP" crown, which is particularly cherished by collectors and can also be found on reference 2526. Accompanying this watch is the original white gold Patek Philippe buckle - a rarity itself today.
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.