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.
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.
