Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX Hong Kong Monday, May 28, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1963
    Reference No: 2481
    Movement No: 710'381
    Case No: 2'630'201
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: manual, cal. 27SC, 18 jewels, stamped twice with the Geneva seal
    Bracelet/Strap: leather strap
    Clasp/Buckle: associated 18K yellow gold pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36.5mm diameter
    Signed: case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archive confirming production of the present watch in 1963 and its subsequent sale on April 5, 963, Patek Philippe presentation box and outer packaging

  • Catalogue Essay

    On of the most unusual time-only models by Patek Philippe, reference 2481 is defined by its voluptuously sculpted lugs and protruding bezel. The overall aesthetics of the piece are entrusted to the juxtaposition of flowing curvy lines and sharply cut edges, a true masterpiece of case design. In production in the 1950s, it is one of the largest vintage time-only references made by Patek Philippe, featuring a very generous for the time 36.5mm diameter. The complexity and peculiarity of the case are further highlighted by the fact that this is one of the very few instances when Patek Philippe employed Le Locle-based casemaker Bernard Dubois, identified by the hallmark inside the case back: the number 121 (specific to the maker), inside hammer head (specific to Neuchatel Canton makers).

    As most of the final effect of the watch is entrusted to the case, it is of paramount importance for it to be in very good condition if the connoisseur wants to truly appreciate this reference. Thankfully, this is absolutely true in the present specimen, which features extremely sharp and well defined lugs and bezel, and maintains intact every detail of its elaborate construction, down to the satin finish to the outside of the lugs. The dial as well can be described as spectacularly well preserved. Furthermore, it is an absolutely unknown example, appearing for the first time on the market on this occasion.

  • 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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FROM AN IMPORTANT ASIAN COLLECTOR

858

Ref. 2481
A very fine and rare yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds and box

1963
36.5mm diameter
case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$80,000 - 160,000 
€8,800-17,600
$10,300-20,500

Sold for HK$162,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX

Hong Kong Auction 29 May 2018