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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1951 and its subsequent sale on 6 February 1952. The Extract further states that the present watch was originally fitted with a cloisonné enamel "Golf" dial with raised hour markers.
The field of vintage wristwatches is not only a beautiful hobby to many collectors but also a superb source of wonderful surprises to even the most experienced veteran.
The present reference 2471 is such a sensational wonder that its story cannot not be told. Of exceptional quality and condition, this "Ricciolo" (Italian for "curl") is a rarity by itself and, completely fresh to the market, a lovely addition for a prestigious auction but also to any eminent collection. We were all astounded when learning that this very reference 2471 was originally fitted with a cloisonné enamel dial depicting a golf theme, a motif so far never seen on any Patek Philippe watch nor mentioned in literature. One obviously immediately remembers the two examples in Patek Philippe's Museum, one showing a tennis player, one a polo scene (see Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 143 & 144). More in-depth research then revealed that Patek Philippe ordered in fact three dials at the same time, all fitted with the same hour markers and done by the enameller artist, Mrs Koch. They are described as "Polo", "Golf" and "Tennis" and whereas two of the three watches have been known and published for decades, there have been no traces whatsoever about the third watch. More spectacularly the drawing for the dial of the latter has been discovered in the design books of Stern Créations and is now published for the first time ever. Most regrettably, it is not known when and by whom the original "Golf" dial was removed and its current whereabouts. It is however without a doubt a fantastic adventure for the future owner of this "Ricciolo" to find it and reunite with the watch here for sale, some 60 years after his first sale.
Production of reference 2471 was launched in 1950. It is one of the rarest rectangular models produced by Patek Philippe during this era, distinguished by the highly unusual, triple scroll lugs, certainly one of the firm's most daring and artistic case designs.
Reference 2471 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 132.
The field of vintage wristwatches is not only a beautiful hobby to many collectors but also a superb source of wonderful surprises to even the most experienced veteran.
The present reference 2471 is such a sensational wonder that its story cannot not be told. Of exceptional quality and condition, this "Ricciolo" (Italian for "curl") is a rarity by itself and, completely fresh to the market, a lovely addition for a prestigious auction but also to any eminent collection. We were all astounded when learning that this very reference 2471 was originally fitted with a cloisonné enamel dial depicting a golf theme, a motif so far never seen on any Patek Philippe watch nor mentioned in literature. One obviously immediately remembers the two examples in Patek Philippe's Museum, one showing a tennis player, one a polo scene (see Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 143 & 144). More in-depth research then revealed that Patek Philippe ordered in fact three dials at the same time, all fitted with the same hour markers and done by the enameller artist, Mrs Koch. They are described as "Polo", "Golf" and "Tennis" and whereas two of the three watches have been known and published for decades, there have been no traces whatsoever about the third watch. More spectacularly the drawing for the dial of the latter has been discovered in the design books of Stern Créations and is now published for the first time ever. Most regrettably, it is not known when and by whom the original "Golf" dial was removed and its current whereabouts. It is however without a doubt a fantastic adventure for the future owner of this "Ricciolo" to find it and reunite with the watch here for sale, some 60 years after his first sale.
Production of reference 2471 was launched in 1950. It is one of the rarest rectangular models produced by Patek Philippe during this era, distinguished by the highly unusual, triple scroll lugs, certainly one of the firm's most daring and artistic case designs.
Reference 2471 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 132.