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Lot Essay
Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1957 and its subsequent sale on October 17th of the following year.
References 2508 and 2509 are the large time only waterproof versions of the revered Calatrava design. The only difference between the two references is that 2508 utilizes sweep center seconds and the 2509 has subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock. In production from 1950 to at least 1967, reference 2508 was available in yellow and pink gold, and also in steel, such as the present watch. The steel version of reference 2508 is extremely rare. It is calculated that less than 10 percent of the total production was fitted into a steel case, and until today only 14 examples were publicly known. This previously unknown fresh to market example is the fifteenth example to appear at auction.
This currently offered watch is further distinguished by the HOX engraved on the balance cock of the movement showing this watch was made for the American market and imported through the Henri Stern Watch Agency, Patek Philippe USA.
The production can be divided into two series. The first is distinguished by a dial with applied dagger and square numerals as in the presently offered lot. The second series is instead characterized by outer beady minute divisions and applied baton numerals.
This example is offered in superlative near mint condition with an original early Patek Philippe strap. The dial, made by Stern Frères is in untouched condition which retains the original aesthetic from the day the watch first left Patek Philippe’s workshops. The movement, protected by its original soft iron dust cap, is also in remarkable original condition. This is truly a fresh to market horological treasure for the most discerning collector.
Other examples of reference 2508 are described and illustrated in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches, Volume II, p. 230.
References 2508 and 2509 are the large time only waterproof versions of the revered Calatrava design. The only difference between the two references is that 2508 utilizes sweep center seconds and the 2509 has subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock. In production from 1950 to at least 1967, reference 2508 was available in yellow and pink gold, and also in steel, such as the present watch. The steel version of reference 2508 is extremely rare. It is calculated that less than 10 percent of the total production was fitted into a steel case, and until today only 14 examples were publicly known. This previously unknown fresh to market example is the fifteenth example to appear at auction.
This currently offered watch is further distinguished by the HOX engraved on the balance cock of the movement showing this watch was made for the American market and imported through the Henri Stern Watch Agency, Patek Philippe USA.
The production can be divided into two series. The first is distinguished by a dial with applied dagger and square numerals as in the presently offered lot. The second series is instead characterized by outer beady minute divisions and applied baton numerals.
This example is offered in superlative near mint condition with an original early Patek Philippe strap. The dial, made by Stern Frères is in untouched condition which retains the original aesthetic from the day the watch first left Patek Philippe’s workshops. The movement, protected by its original soft iron dust cap, is also in remarkable original condition. This is truly a fresh to market horological treasure for the most discerning collector.
Other examples of reference 2508 are described and illustrated in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches, Volume II, p. 230.