Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XII Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1955
    Reference No: 2481
    Movement No: 704'071
    Case No: 685'871
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 27SC, 18 jewels, stamped twice with the Geneva Seal
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather strap
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm 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 in 1955 and its subsequent sale on July 30, 1955

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1950, reference 2481 was fitted with a variety of dials, ranging from polychrome enamel landscapes and maps, to portraits of Middle-Eastern royalty. The model is instantly recognizable due its case design. Realized by Bernard Dubois, it features elongated claw lugs and a concave bezel, giving the watch a remarkable presence on the wrist and an unmistakable modernist vibe, a long step away from the reserved and classic proportions of the Calatrava wristwatch

    The reference is powered by the famous caliber 27SC which was at the time one of the best centre seconds calibre available on the market.

    Of note is the spectacular condition of this previously unknown timepiece. The two hallmarks - one under the lug and one concealed by the caseback - are wonderfully preserved and the sculpted design the lugs is incredibly crisp and prominent, testament to the original, untouched nature of the case.

    The dial features strong hard enamel graphics and has not seen intervention of any kind. Furthermore, it is preserved in exceedingly appealing condition, featuring a gentle off-white patina. This is especially impressive when one remembers that the watch is over sixty years of age.

    Combining a center seconds movement, a large diameter and a highly eclectic case design, reference 2481 is without a doubt one of the most impressive vintage time only Patek Philippe timepieces, and this specimen is a lovely and absolutely honest example of this model.

  • 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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Ref. 2481
A fine and large yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds and sculpted lugs

1955
36mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 30,000 
€13,900-27,800
$16,300-32,700

Sold for CHF21,420

Contact Specialist

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

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XII

Geneva Auction 6 - 7 November 2020