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Lot Essay
This stunning yellow gold reference 2508 is distinguished by the extremely rare black dial, rendering it an superbly elegant appearance. To the best of our knowledge only three other examples with this configuration with applied gold indexes to have appeared in public todate.
The dials for ref. 2508 were made by Stern Frères and were produced in two series:
- 1st series, like the present watch: with applied drop and square indexes
- 2nd series in two versions: with either luminescent lapped bullet indexes and outer minutes and seconds scale, or non-luminous indexes with engraved pearled outer graduation.
The cases were supplied by Taubert whose punch mark of a number 11 within a key is found on the inside of the case back.
The bracelet impresses with its exquisite woven texture and was made by Jean-Pierre Ecoffey, one of the most prominent bracelet makers at the time.
All in all a wonderfully well preserved and attractive example of a "time only" wristwatch from the 1950s.
Reference 2508
Considered by many to be among the pinnacles of Patek Philippe's mid-20th century design, the reference 2508 was launched in 1951. Known as the “Grande Calatrava Etanche”, it distinguishes itself from its "time-only" brethren with a uniquely balanced case design.
The 2508 was Patek Philippe's first foray into waterproof case designs for non-complicated wristwatches. Previously, the only waterproof wristwatch was the reference 1463 chronograph, from which the 2508 would borrow the entirety of its form.
The downturned lugs, perfectly proportioned dial, and screw-back case profile produce a masculine and most pleasing wrist presence not found in other Calatravas. The 2508 could be considered a successor to the legendary reference 570, though with a "sportier" feel, and forerunner to "Amagnetic" references due to its "double case-back" design. Inside the 2508 beats the legendary 27SC, covered by a metal dust cap to keep moisture and magnetism at bay - a trait found predominantly in "tool" watches, making this reference a unique offering in Patek Philippe's lineage.
The dials for ref. 2508 were made by Stern Frères and were produced in two series:
- 1st series, like the present watch: with applied drop and square indexes
- 2nd series in two versions: with either luminescent lapped bullet indexes and outer minutes and seconds scale, or non-luminous indexes with engraved pearled outer graduation.
The cases were supplied by Taubert whose punch mark of a number 11 within a key is found on the inside of the case back.
The bracelet impresses with its exquisite woven texture and was made by Jean-Pierre Ecoffey, one of the most prominent bracelet makers at the time.
All in all a wonderfully well preserved and attractive example of a "time only" wristwatch from the 1950s.
Reference 2508
Considered by many to be among the pinnacles of Patek Philippe's mid-20th century design, the reference 2508 was launched in 1951. Known as the “Grande Calatrava Etanche”, it distinguishes itself from its "time-only" brethren with a uniquely balanced case design.
The 2508 was Patek Philippe's first foray into waterproof case designs for non-complicated wristwatches. Previously, the only waterproof wristwatch was the reference 1463 chronograph, from which the 2508 would borrow the entirety of its form.
The downturned lugs, perfectly proportioned dial, and screw-back case profile produce a masculine and most pleasing wrist presence not found in other Calatravas. The 2508 could be considered a successor to the legendary reference 570, though with a "sportier" feel, and forerunner to "Amagnetic" references due to its "double case-back" design. Inside the 2508 beats the legendary 27SC, covered by a metal dust cap to keep moisture and magnetism at bay - a trait found predominantly in "tool" watches, making this reference a unique offering in Patek Philippe's lineage.