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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with diamond indexes in 1949 and its subsequent sale on 11 February 1950.
Between 1930s and 1950s, Patek Philippe produced a significant number and variety of rectangular wristwatches. In the 1950s, round watches was considered fashionable and chic, production of rectangular watches soon became a rarity, and even more so if it features a rectangular movement. Patek Philippe ceased production of rectangular movements all together in the 1960s, and it is hardly surprising that even the famous "Pagoda" model is powered by a round movement.
Reference 2442 was introduced into the market in 1948 and could be found in Patek Philippe sales catalogues until circa 1960. Majority cased in yellow or pink gold, only three examples in platinum are known to scholars thus far. Total production number is estimated at around 150 examples. The model features the 9-90 rectangular calibre, reserved exclusively for rectangular Patek Philippe models.
The present example is a very nice example of this affectionately nicknamed "Banana" model showcasing a sparkling baguette-cut diamond-set dial that has not aged a bit, except maybe if we consider that it has taken a warm silvery colour.
The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, 1998, p. 136, pl. 193.
Between 1930s and 1950s, Patek Philippe produced a significant number and variety of rectangular wristwatches. In the 1950s, round watches was considered fashionable and chic, production of rectangular watches soon became a rarity, and even more so if it features a rectangular movement. Patek Philippe ceased production of rectangular movements all together in the 1960s, and it is hardly surprising that even the famous "Pagoda" model is powered by a round movement.
Reference 2442 was introduced into the market in 1948 and could be found in Patek Philippe sales catalogues until circa 1960. Majority cased in yellow or pink gold, only three examples in platinum are known to scholars thus far. Total production number is estimated at around 150 examples. The model features the 9-90 rectangular calibre, reserved exclusively for rectangular Patek Philippe models.
The present example is a very nice example of this affectionately nicknamed "Banana" model showcasing a sparkling baguette-cut diamond-set dial that has not aged a bit, except maybe if we consider that it has taken a warm silvery colour.
The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, 1998, p. 136, pl. 193.