Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1951 Reference No: 2429 Movement No: 956’196 Case No: 422’652 Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 10-200, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 33mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe service invoice and leather travel case. Further delivered with Beyer Chronometrie Certificate and Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the present timepiece’s date of manufacture in 1951 and its subsequent date of sale on 5th December 1951. Literature: For a similar example in platinum with diamond hour markers, see Patek Philippe Wristwatches by M. Huber and A. Banbery, Volume 2, Second Edition, page 158, plate 237.
Catalogue Essay
Boasting distinct Patek Philippe proportions, the ref. 2429 is highly coveted amongst collectors for its baroque design with unusual elongated, stepped claw lugs. Made in very small quantities, this reference enjoyed a short production period of five years only, between 1948 and 1953.
The present platinum specimen is paired with an elegantly aged silvered dial with factory diamond-set indexes, rendering this watch one of Patek Philippe’s most exclusive creations from the post-war era. To the best of our knowledge, the present ref. 2429 is not only fresh-to-the-market, but is also the 9th out of the twelve platinum examples to be identified bearing this configuration. The vintage appeal of this beautifully preserved wristwatch is further enhanced by its slightly patinated silvered dial, topped with a set of feuille hands and small seconds hand that perfectly complements its case.
Delivered with an Extract from the Archives, it is confirmed that this ref. 2429 was manufactured in 1951 and was subsequently sold by Beyer on 5th December 1951, according to its Beyer Chronometrie Certificate.
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.