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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with raised gold hour markers in 1953 and its subsequent sale on 29 December 1953.
The present watch is a very good example of the very first generation of reference 2497. Made in 1953 and fitted with the more generous case proportions, it is a fine wristwatch offered for sale by a distinguished collector. One of only 11 examples of reference 2497 with the flat case back to appear in public to date, it is an honest example and great model to wear - actual and modern, like over 50 years ago when first introduced.
Reference 2497 was introduced in 1951, simultaneously like its more complicated sister model with chronograph, reference 2499 (see lots 224 and 403 in this auction). They replaced the legendary references 1526 and 1518 which are best remembered for their Calatrava-style cases and their unmistakable 1940's look. Whereas reference 2499 was fitted with the same 13''' movement as its predecessor, consequently offering the same functions to its wearer, the "simple" perpetual calendar model 2497 newly fitted a centre seconds hand, an absolute first on the watch market. This newly designated calibre 27 SC was upgraded with Patek Philippe's patented perpetual calendar mechanism. A total of only some 180 movements with this new feature were made.
The new generation of Patek Philippe's perpetual calendar models, with or without chronograph mechanism, met the more lavish 1950s taste, the case proportions now slightly more playful. References 2497 and 2499 were first fitted with cases featuring a flat snap on back and very prominent claw-shaped lugs, which then were replaced with a more rounded case back and less downturned lugs.
According to literature, reference 2497 and its water-resistant equivalent reference 2438/1 with screw back case were made in only 179 examples.
Examples of reference 2497 are illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by M. Huber & A. Banbery, 2nd edition, pp. 285 & 287.
The present watch is a very good example of the very first generation of reference 2497. Made in 1953 and fitted with the more generous case proportions, it is a fine wristwatch offered for sale by a distinguished collector. One of only 11 examples of reference 2497 with the flat case back to appear in public to date, it is an honest example and great model to wear - actual and modern, like over 50 years ago when first introduced.
Reference 2497 was introduced in 1951, simultaneously like its more complicated sister model with chronograph, reference 2499 (see lots 224 and 403 in this auction). They replaced the legendary references 1526 and 1518 which are best remembered for their Calatrava-style cases and their unmistakable 1940's look. Whereas reference 2499 was fitted with the same 13''' movement as its predecessor, consequently offering the same functions to its wearer, the "simple" perpetual calendar model 2497 newly fitted a centre seconds hand, an absolute first on the watch market. This newly designated calibre 27 SC was upgraded with Patek Philippe's patented perpetual calendar mechanism. A total of only some 180 movements with this new feature were made.
The new generation of Patek Philippe's perpetual calendar models, with or without chronograph mechanism, met the more lavish 1950s taste, the case proportions now slightly more playful. References 2497 and 2499 were first fitted with cases featuring a flat snap on back and very prominent claw-shaped lugs, which then were replaced with a more rounded case back and less downturned lugs.
According to literature, reference 2497 and its water-resistant equivalent reference 2438/1 with screw back case were made in only 179 examples.
Examples of reference 2497 are illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by M. Huber & A. Banbery, 2nd edition, pp. 285 & 287.