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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1963 and its subsequent sale on 28 May 1963.
References 2508 and 2509 are the large time only waterproof versions of the revered Calatrava design. The only difference between the two references is that 2508 sports sweep centre seconds, 2509 subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock. In production from 1950 to at least 1967, reference 2508 was available in yellow and pink gold, and also in steel, such as the present watch.
The production can be divided into two series. The first is distinguished by a dial with applied dagger and square numerals. The second series, of which the present lot is a remarkable example, is instead characterized by outer beady minute divisions and applied baton numerals. This last version can, in some rare instances, present luminous hands and numerals, such as this watch.
The steel version of reference 2508 is extremely rare. It is calculated that less than 10 percent of the total production was fitted into a steel case, and until today only 13 examples were publicly known. This previously unknown specimen is the fourteenth example to appear at auction and, as mentioned, it furthermore is graced by the highly sought-after luminous dial configuration, never before seen on this model. The overall appeal is further enhanced by the Gay Frères expandable bracelet. Possibly the most renowned and appreciated Genevois jeweler from the mid-20th century, Gay Frères watch bracelets are much appreciated and considered highly collectible items themselves. The combination of steel and pink gold is the perfect match for the steel case and pink gold numerals of the watch. The final result is an handsome vintage piece easy to be used for day-by-day wear as well as for the most formal of occasions, or simply become a treasured addition to any serious Patek Philippe collection.
Other examples of reference 2508 are described and illustrated in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches, Volume II, p. 230.
References 2508 and 2509 are the large time only waterproof versions of the revered Calatrava design. The only difference between the two references is that 2508 sports sweep centre seconds, 2509 subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock. In production from 1950 to at least 1967, reference 2508 was available in yellow and pink gold, and also in steel, such as the present watch.
The production can be divided into two series. The first is distinguished by a dial with applied dagger and square numerals. The second series, of which the present lot is a remarkable example, is instead characterized by outer beady minute divisions and applied baton numerals. This last version can, in some rare instances, present luminous hands and numerals, such as this watch.
The steel version of reference 2508 is extremely rare. It is calculated that less than 10 percent of the total production was fitted into a steel case, and until today only 13 examples were publicly known. This previously unknown specimen is the fourteenth example to appear at auction and, as mentioned, it furthermore is graced by the highly sought-after luminous dial configuration, never before seen on this model. The overall appeal is further enhanced by the Gay Frères expandable bracelet. Possibly the most renowned and appreciated Genevois jeweler from the mid-20th century, Gay Frères watch bracelets are much appreciated and considered highly collectible items themselves. The combination of steel and pink gold is the perfect match for the steel case and pink gold numerals of the watch. The final result is an handsome vintage piece easy to be used for day-by-day wear as well as for the most formal of occasions, or simply become a treasured addition to any serious Patek Philippe collection.
Other examples of reference 2508 are described and illustrated in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches, Volume II, p. 230.