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Lot Essay
The rarest of all perpetual calendar wristwatches produced in series by Patek Philippe, this superb example of reference 2438-1 exudes the distinct and magical vintage appeal of the company’s mid-century complicated wristwatches. Last seen at auction 34 years ago, it has since been carefully stored, and indeed the case exhibits the bluish patination of the gold that only occurs with the passage of time and is so appreciated by collectors of vintage wristwatches today. The case exhibits impressively full proportions with strong curved angles and fluting, importantly both hallmarks are crisp and clearly legible showing that the watch has been worn only lightly over the years. The dial is beautifully mellowed and evenly aged, probably carefully restored at some time in the distant past, it retains a strong signature, scales and calendar indications, all engraved-enamelled and well raised. Naturally, after many decades, the dial is not entirely without blemish. However, this only serves to underline and enhance the overall character and charm of the watch.
One of the most elusive and hard to find of Patek Philippe’s ‘golden age’ perpetual calendar wristwatches, reference 2438-1 is sheer poetry, and is without doubt a serious and important addition to any collection.
The Dial
Correct second series Mark 1 dial distinguishable by the five-faceted ‘bullet’ shaped hour markers. Made by Stern Frères on a solid gold base with an opaline-matte finish. All of the dial text, scales, and details are engraved-enameled and nicely raised. The calendar discs (in English) are silvered gold, and the moon phase disc is handmade in gold with champlevé blue enamel applied by a master enamel artist.
The Case
Two-piece by Wenger (master casemaker’s mark of 1 within a Key), one of the finest Geneva casemakers of the period. Screw back, curved fluted lugs, curved bezel, both hallmarks clearly visible, partially inset crown with embossed ‘Calatrava’ logo.
The Movement
Caliber 27 SC Q, base caliber 27 SC with a perpetual calendar feature added by the workshops of Les Fils de Victorin Piguet, 18 jewels, micrometer adjustment for the regulator.
Patek Philippe Reference 2438-1
One of the rarest and most sought-after vintage complicated wristwatches ever produced by Patek Philippe, very few examples of reference 2438-1 were made and consequently it is very rarely seen at auction. Regarded along with references 1518, 2497, and 2499 as one of Patek Philippe’s great ‘Golden Age’ classics, at the time of production, it was one of only three wristwatch models available with perpetual calendar. Moreover, reference 2438-1 and reference 2497 were the first and only sweep seconds perpetual calendar wristwatches available for 30 years until 1993. Reference 2438-1 is fitted with a screw back and was introduced to the market as the ‘waterproof’ version of reference 2497. It was manufactured almost in parallel with reference 2497’s production, beginning in 1952 and ceasing in 1963 (reference 2497 began in 1951 and ceased in 1963). Only available in 18k yellow or pink gold, the cases were made by Wenger (master casemaker’s mark of 1 within a Key), one of the finest Geneva casemakers of the period who also made cases for reference 2499. These splendid and substantial cases feature curved fluted lugs, a curved bezel and a partially inset crown. Although reference 2438-1 was produced for 11 years, only an estimated 50 pieces were ever made in yellow gold and today only 29 examples are known publicly.
One of the most elusive and hard to find of Patek Philippe’s ‘golden age’ perpetual calendar wristwatches, reference 2438-1 is sheer poetry, and is without doubt a serious and important addition to any collection.
The Dial
Correct second series Mark 1 dial distinguishable by the five-faceted ‘bullet’ shaped hour markers. Made by Stern Frères on a solid gold base with an opaline-matte finish. All of the dial text, scales, and details are engraved-enameled and nicely raised. The calendar discs (in English) are silvered gold, and the moon phase disc is handmade in gold with champlevé blue enamel applied by a master enamel artist.
The Case
Two-piece by Wenger (master casemaker’s mark of 1 within a Key), one of the finest Geneva casemakers of the period. Screw back, curved fluted lugs, curved bezel, both hallmarks clearly visible, partially inset crown with embossed ‘Calatrava’ logo.
The Movement
Caliber 27 SC Q, base caliber 27 SC with a perpetual calendar feature added by the workshops of Les Fils de Victorin Piguet, 18 jewels, micrometer adjustment for the regulator.
Patek Philippe Reference 2438-1
One of the rarest and most sought-after vintage complicated wristwatches ever produced by Patek Philippe, very few examples of reference 2438-1 were made and consequently it is very rarely seen at auction. Regarded along with references 1518, 2497, and 2499 as one of Patek Philippe’s great ‘Golden Age’ classics, at the time of production, it was one of only three wristwatch models available with perpetual calendar. Moreover, reference 2438-1 and reference 2497 were the first and only sweep seconds perpetual calendar wristwatches available for 30 years until 1993. Reference 2438-1 is fitted with a screw back and was introduced to the market as the ‘waterproof’ version of reference 2497. It was manufactured almost in parallel with reference 2497’s production, beginning in 1952 and ceasing in 1963 (reference 2497 began in 1951 and ceased in 1963). Only available in 18k yellow or pink gold, the cases were made by Wenger (master casemaker’s mark of 1 within a Key), one of the finest Geneva casemakers of the period who also made cases for reference 2499. These splendid and substantial cases feature curved fluted lugs, a curved bezel and a partially inset crown. Although reference 2438-1 was produced for 11 years, only an estimated 50 pieces were ever made in yellow gold and today only 29 examples are known publicly.