Patek Philippe - Game Changers New York Tuesday, December 10, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1953
    Reference No: 2508
    Movement No: 702’589, further stamped HOX
    Case No: 676'400
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 27SC, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1953 and its subsequent sale on November 18th, 1953.
    Literature: Examples of the reference 2508 illustrated in Patek Philippe Museum, Patek Philippe Watches, Volume II, p. 230.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1952, the reference 2508 was Patek Philippe’s first time-only model to feature a waterproof Calatrava case. In production from 1952 until 1960, the generous 35mm Taubert-sourced case featured the same shape and proportions from that of another iconic Patek Philippe, the waterproof chronograph reference 1463. Both watches have a sporty appeal that lends a casual air and have now become beacons for mid-20th century timepiece design with a masculine shape and well-balanced proportions. The model was produced in yellow and rose gold, as well as in stainless steel. Collectors passionately vie for important time-only models like the reference 565, 570, the first automatic, the reference 2526 and like the present lot, the reference 2508.


    The present example is a handsome and premium example of this oversized Calatrava reference. It features an extremely rare dial with luminous hands and markers, and is only the 13th known watch with this rare dial type. Applied gold hour markers and dauphine hands further enhance its attractiveness. The prestigious caliber 27 SC is stamped with the ‘HOX’ import mark, along with a crisp ‘18K’ hallmark stamped on the outside case back - both features found on timepieces destined for the Americas. The dial has aged gracefully over the years, with the luminous material in the hands and hour markers turning a pleasing sandy brown hue. The raised, hard enamel signature is perfectly intact with no losses to the lettering and accent. The case remains sharp and crisp, with strong proportions and a crisp hallmark found on the underside of the lugs. In superb overall condition and appearing for the first time at auction, it’s a wonderful example from the golden age of horology certain to delight the connoisseur.

  • 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. 2508
A very rare and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds with luminous dial

1953
35mm Diameter
Case, dial, and movement signed.

Estimate
$25,000 - 50,000 
CHF24,900-49,800
€22,700-45,400
HK$196,000-392,000

Sold for $40,000

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Game Changers

New York Auction 10 December 2019