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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1953 with raised gold hour markers and its subsequent sale on 15 August 1954
The present watch is an extraordinary example of ref. 2481. This model was in production for nearly a decade from 1950 to 1960, with most examples in yellow gold and a more limited production in pink gold. One example is known in platinum.
With its 37mm case diameter, it is one of the largest vintage Patek Philippe ever produced, a trait that is nowadays making this model more and more sought-after, given the penchant of today's fashion for large watches. Equipped with the celebrated 27SC calibre, the best sweep seconds calibre available at the time, this reference is an extremely interesting example of how the taste, in the 50s, was moving away from the stern precision and minimalism of the 40s toward a more eclectic style that will bloom fully in the 70s. In this early specimen, the "old school" style of the dial can be appreciated in all of its unspoiled glory, thanks to the incredible condition of this piece.
The same is true for the fascinating case design: still retaining a "Calatrava" feeling, but with the adoption of unusual, avant-garde solutions such as the concave bezel and the heavily stepped lugs. It cannot be overstressed how rare it is to find a specimen that so wonderfully retains its case proportions and design: obviously hardly ever polished - if ever - the timepiece impresses the beholder with its bold, sharp steps on the lugs, the absolutely original and unspoiled satin finishing of the band, and with its immaculate and crisp hallmark.
Fresh to the market, the present watch is not only an extraordinary and previously unknown testimony of the evolution of watchmaking and an impressively preserved early specimen of pink 2481, but also a timepiece that, thanks to the visionary genius of Patek Philippe's design artists, can be worn and appreciated daily even today, more than fifty years after its conception.
The present watch is an extraordinary example of ref. 2481. This model was in production for nearly a decade from 1950 to 1960, with most examples in yellow gold and a more limited production in pink gold. One example is known in platinum.
With its 37mm case diameter, it is one of the largest vintage Patek Philippe ever produced, a trait that is nowadays making this model more and more sought-after, given the penchant of today's fashion for large watches. Equipped with the celebrated 27SC calibre, the best sweep seconds calibre available at the time, this reference is an extremely interesting example of how the taste, in the 50s, was moving away from the stern precision and minimalism of the 40s toward a more eclectic style that will bloom fully in the 70s. In this early specimen, the "old school" style of the dial can be appreciated in all of its unspoiled glory, thanks to the incredible condition of this piece.
The same is true for the fascinating case design: still retaining a "Calatrava" feeling, but with the adoption of unusual, avant-garde solutions such as the concave bezel and the heavily stepped lugs. It cannot be overstressed how rare it is to find a specimen that so wonderfully retains its case proportions and design: obviously hardly ever polished - if ever - the timepiece impresses the beholder with its bold, sharp steps on the lugs, the absolutely original and unspoiled satin finishing of the band, and with its immaculate and crisp hallmark.
Fresh to the market, the present watch is not only an extraordinary and previously unknown testimony of the evolution of watchmaking and an impressively preserved early specimen of pink 2481, but also a timepiece that, thanks to the visionary genius of Patek Philippe's design artists, can be worn and appreciated daily even today, more than fifty years after its conception.