Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1955
    Reference No: 2508
    Movement No: 704'472
    Case No: 687'998
    Model Name: Calatrava
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, Cal. 27 SC, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated 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 1955 and subsequent sale on January 17, 1956

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1951 and in production for about a decade, Patek Philippe’s reference 2508 is a very unusual Calatrava within the Genevan watchmaker’s collection.

    Even though it is a time only model and as such can be classified as a classic 1950s dress watch, this reference features many elements found in more casual sports watches. The case with screwed back and interior dust cover is very similar in size and design to that of the highly coveted reference 1463 chronograph. The dial with outer track and dagger markers at 3-6-9 and 12 o’clock furthermore gives the watch a graphic and edgy appearance.

    Giving life to the watch is the exquisitely finished caliber 27SC, stamped twice with the Geneva seal.

    The present example is a handsome example of the large size Calatrava wristwatch. Today’s collectors often overlook time only watches, however the reference 2508 has become a beacon of classical horology and it is a watch all collectors should consider.

  • 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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27

Ref. 2508
A fine yellow gold wristwatch with sweep center seconds

1955
35mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF12,000 - 18,000 
€10,600-15,800
$12,300-18,400

Sold for CHF21,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018