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Lot Essay
Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate and Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1953 and its subsequent sale on 8 September 1956. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe fitted presentation box.
This watch is amongst the finest yellow gold examples of reference 2497 to appear at auction. Its distinct case proportions and details are still beautifully preserved due to the lack of wear and consequently polishing. The dial reflects a great depth with no signs of restoration. Still retaining the original certificate and box, this watch represents a rare opportunity for the demanding collector. In fact, research indicates that only two other examples of this iconic reference in yellow gold are publicly known to have survived with their original "birth certificates".
Ref. 2497
In 1951, Patek Philippe launched reference 2497 and its water-resistant counterpart, reference 2438/1. According to literature, a combined total of only 179 examples of these two models were produced, the majority cased either in yellow or pink gold.
Reference 2497 is generally divided into two different series:
- the first series, such as the present watch, with alternating applied gold Arabic and dot numerals and dauphine hands
- the second series with applied baton numerals and dauphine hands
Simultaneously launched with their more complicated sister model with chronograph, reference 2499, references 2497 and 2438/1 replaced the legendary reference 1526 which is best remembered for its Calatrava-style case and unmistakable 1940s 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 developed calibre 27 SC was upgraded with Patek Philippe's patented perpetual calendar mechanism, now listed as calibre 27 SC QP. 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.
Examples of reference 2497 are illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by M. Huber & A. Banbery, 2nd edition, pp. 285 & 287.
This watch is amongst the finest yellow gold examples of reference 2497 to appear at auction. Its distinct case proportions and details are still beautifully preserved due to the lack of wear and consequently polishing. The dial reflects a great depth with no signs of restoration. Still retaining the original certificate and box, this watch represents a rare opportunity for the demanding collector. In fact, research indicates that only two other examples of this iconic reference in yellow gold are publicly known to have survived with their original "birth certificates".
Ref. 2497
In 1951, Patek Philippe launched reference 2497 and its water-resistant counterpart, reference 2438/1. According to literature, a combined total of only 179 examples of these two models were produced, the majority cased either in yellow or pink gold.
Reference 2497 is generally divided into two different series:
- the first series, such as the present watch, with alternating applied gold Arabic and dot numerals and dauphine hands
- the second series with applied baton numerals and dauphine hands
Simultaneously launched with their more complicated sister model with chronograph, reference 2499, references 2497 and 2438/1 replaced the legendary reference 1526 which is best remembered for its Calatrava-style case and unmistakable 1940s 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 developed calibre 27 SC was upgraded with Patek Philippe's patented perpetual calendar mechanism, now listed as calibre 27 SC QP. 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.
Examples of reference 2497 are illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by M. Huber & A. Banbery, 2nd edition, pp. 285 & 287.