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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with applied hour markers in 1958 and its subsequent sale on 15 September 1960.
Offered for sale by a very demanding collector, this reference 2438/1 is a highly attractive specimen of this landmark model. The fluting of the lugs is impressively crisp and so is the hallmark on the side. The dial displays a fantastic cream tone and the hard enamel signature is beautifully raised. The case back, often a weak point due to unprofessional opening attempts with wrong tools, is in very good condition and the wrench holes are in unmolested condition.
Examples of this landmark reference in such condition are rare finds and represent, thanks to the fact that it is the only vintage perpetual calendar by Patek Philippe with waterproof case, a must have position in the field of wristwatch collecting.
Ref. 2438/1
In 1951, Patek Philippe launched reference 2497 and its water-resistant counterpart, reference 2438/1, the firm's only vintage perpetual calendar wristwatch made in series with a screw back. A combined total of only 179 examples of these two models were produced, the majority cased in yellow gold. Reference 2438/1 is generally divided into two different series:
- the first with applied Arabic numerals and dauphine hands
- the second series, such as the present watch, with applied baton numerals and dauphine hands
Reference 2438/1 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 284.
Offered for sale by a very demanding collector, this reference 2438/1 is a highly attractive specimen of this landmark model. The fluting of the lugs is impressively crisp and so is the hallmark on the side. The dial displays a fantastic cream tone and the hard enamel signature is beautifully raised. The case back, often a weak point due to unprofessional opening attempts with wrong tools, is in very good condition and the wrench holes are in unmolested condition.
Examples of this landmark reference in such condition are rare finds and represent, thanks to the fact that it is the only vintage perpetual calendar by Patek Philippe with waterproof case, a must have position in the field of wristwatch collecting.
Ref. 2438/1
In 1951, Patek Philippe launched reference 2497 and its water-resistant counterpart, reference 2438/1, the firm's only vintage perpetual calendar wristwatch made in series with a screw back. A combined total of only 179 examples of these two models were produced, the majority cased in yellow gold. Reference 2438/1 is generally divided into two different series:
- the first with applied Arabic numerals and dauphine hands
- the second series, such as the present watch, with applied baton numerals and dauphine hands
Reference 2438/1 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 284.