Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1951 Reference No: 2441 Movement No: 974'113 Case No: 666'078 Model Name: "Eiffel Tower" Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 9'''90, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Patek Philippe yellow gold buckle Dimensions: 41mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch and its subsequent sale on November 22, 1952
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe started production of the reference 2441 in 1948 and continued until at least 1955 with a total of approximately only 200 pieces made, the majority cased in yellow gold. This model, often referred to as the "Eiffel Tower", remains easily identifiable by its distinct flared design, resembling the base of the famous French landmark.
Flash forward to 1997 when Patek Philippe took design cues from the reference 2441 and released the limited edition "Pagoda" wristwatch commemorating the inauguration of their new watchmaking centre in Geneva.
The dial layout offers a superb balance, with discreet divisions of the subsidiary seconds counter, resulting in a supremely clean and historically desirable wristwatch for the savvy collector.
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.