Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1952 Reference No: 2508 Movement No: 701’661 Case No: 668’695 Model Name: Calatrava Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 27 SC, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated pin buckle Dimensions: 34.5mm Diameter Signed: Dial, case and movement signed Accessories: Further accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its subsequent date of manufacture in 1952 and its date of sale on 4th December 1952.
Catalogue Essay
With the Calatrava having developed an iconic status in the lineage of Patek Philippe wristwatches, the reference 2508 was introduced to the public in 1950. Housed in a 34.5mm two-piece waterproof screwback case manufactured by Taubert, the reference was considered “Grande” in comparison to its forefather the reference 96 measuring a mere 30mm in case dimensions. With two series produced the earliest examples of the reference featured applied drop hour markers, later examples featured lapped indexes with pearled outer graduation. It is believed that approximately 70% were encased in yellow gold, 20% in pink gold with 10% produced in stainless steel.
The present example is an early example of a Patek Philippe ref. 2508 in yellow gold with applied yellow gold drop indexes sporting the caliber 27 SC.
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.