Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI Geneva Saturday, November 5, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1953
    Reference No: 2442
    Movement No: 974'403
    Case No: 671'687
    Model Name: "Marilyn Monroe"
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 9'''90, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 26mm Width and 43mm Length
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed by maker, case further stamped by retailer
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives.

  • Catalogue Essay

    First launched in 1948, reference 2442 is playfully dubbed "Marilyn Monroe" due to its curved and voluptuous case shape. It was a surprising design for Patek at the time, well removed from the utilitarian architectures seen during the 1930s and 1940s and anticipating the trend of shaped watches which will blossom in 1960s and 1970s.

    The model most notably features curved and flared lugs, its 43mm case sits incredibly well and gives a lot of presence on the wrist. It was cased mostly in yellow gold, but examples in pink gold are known - such as the present piece - as well as 3 specimens in platinum. According to research, pink gold examples are extremely scarce: so far, only 25 pink gold pieces have been identified and the total output is estimated to be 60 watches. However, the present piece happens to be 20 times as uncommon as the already very rare “standard” pink gold 2442, as it is one of three examples known to bear the S&L stamp to the back of the case, indicating it was retailed by Serpico y Laino. Serpico y Laino is one of the biggest names in vintage watch collecting circles as it was the leading Caracas watch retailer, their name was present on the dial of some of the most important wristwatches to ever appear at auction.

  • 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. 2442
An exquisite, charming and highly uncommon pink gold rectangular wristwatch with flared lugs, retailed by Serpico y Laino

1953
26mm Width and 43mm Length
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed by maker, case further stamped by retailer

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 
€20,600-41,200
$20,000-40,100

Sold for CHF47,880

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com
 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva
+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI

Geneva Auction 5 - 6 November 2022