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Lot Essay
US$165,000-210,000
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the watch with raised hour markers in gold in 1952 and its subsequent sale on 6 July 1956.
Made in 1952, it is a very fine reference 2497 offered here for sale. The beautifully elongated fluted lugs impress by their wide proportions and give this example a very distinctive look.
Reference 2497 was introduced in 1951, simultaneously like its more complicated sister model with chronograph, reference 2499 (see lots 5008 in this auction). They replaced the legendary references 1526 (see lots 4720 & 5062 in this sale) 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.
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.
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the watch with raised hour markers in gold in 1952 and its subsequent sale on 6 July 1956.
Made in 1952, it is a very fine reference 2497 offered here for sale. The beautifully elongated fluted lugs impress by their wide proportions and give this example a very distinctive look.
Reference 2497 was introduced in 1951, simultaneously like its more complicated sister model with chronograph, reference 2499 (see lots 5008 in this auction). They replaced the legendary references 1526 (see lots 4720 & 5062 in this sale) 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.
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.