Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1955 Reference No: 2508 Movement No: 704'158 Case No: 692'147 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 27SC, 18 jewels, stamped "HOX" and twice with the Geneva Seal Bracelet/Strap: Leather strap, associated 14K yellow gold and stainless steel expandable bracelet, max length 180mm 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 with gold lapped indexes, luminous material and 1/5 seconds graduation in 1955 and its subsequent sale on November 14, 1956
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1952, the reference 2508 was Patek Philippe’s first time-only model to feature a waterproof Calatrava case. In production until 1960, the generous 35mm Taubert-sourced case featured the same shape and proportions from that of another iconic Patek Philippe, the waterproof chronograph reference 1463. Both watches have a sporty appeal that lends a casual air and have now become beacons for mid-20th century timepiece design with a masculine shape and well-balanced proportions. The model was produced in yellow and rose gold, as well as in stainless steel.
The present watch most notably displays a luminous dial, which is most importantly confirmed by the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives. Preserved in stunning unmolested condition, the watch displays two deep and crisp hallmarks on the case as well as extremely sharp edges. The watch is, in our opinion, unpolished.
Interestingly, the case back is stamped "F.S. Wade Employee Executive Director Pacific Lighting Gas Co's 1905 - 1963". Indeed, research shows that Mr. Wade worked as the President of the Pacific Lighting Gas Corporation - a company founded in S. Francisco in 1886 and still active today under the name of Sempra Energy (the new name being the result of a series of company mergers). As expected for a Patek Philippe watch delivered to an American buyer at that time, the movement is stamped HOX, denoting it was imported into the USA by the Henry Stern Agency.
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.
