Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1952 Reference No: 2455 Movement No: 969'799 Case No: 670'309 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-120, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Cartier bracelet, max length 1865mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Cartier deployant clasp with hand stamped numbers Dimensions: 34mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed, dial and bracelet further signed by retailer Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1952 and its subsequent sale on October 20, 1952 and Cartier letter.
Catalogue Essay
The present timepiece is not just a simple, yellow gold timepiece by Patek Philippe. It was most notably retailed by Cartier, as seen by the retailer signature on the dial, and lavish brick-link bracelet which is also signed by the retailer displaying hand stamped numbers. The condition of the timepiece is noteworthy - a crisp hallmark can be found beneath the lug, and all hard raised enamelled printing is visible and raised. Over time, a thin layer of charming patina has developed throughout the case and bracelet, showing how the watch has remained untouched over time.
Known as the “jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers", Cartier has had a long standing tradition of creating timepieces, as well their exquisite jewelry. Historically, Cartier had retailed Patek Philippe timepieces in their boutique in the second half of the 20th century, they also had the honour of stamping their name of Patek Philippe timepieces. To date, the present watch is the only known example of this reference with the retailer's signature, underscoring its rarity.
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.