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Lot Essay
This very special vintage Patek Philippe reference 497, double-signed and numbered by Cartier, boasts a truly astonishing aesthetic and an imposing presence. Its size appears even more impressive due to the extended lugs, styled as opposing inverted ‘U’ shapes. The wide bezel frames silver dial, which has a strikingly minimalist character, emphasized by square and oblong hour indexes and an oversized 12 numeral. The prominent elongated lugs and oversized winding crown give the watch an unparalleled look, unlike any other.
To the best of our knowledge, the present watch was last offered at auction 33 years ago. According to the Extract from the Archives, the dial is signed solely by Cartier. The case was crafted by Geneva master casemaker Baumgartner, whose mark - a number 2 within a key - is stamped inside the case back. Cartier's hand-stamped reference number, 808*, is found beneath the upper left lug. A close inspection of the movement reveals the import stamp ‘PXP’ engraved on the balance bridge, indicating that this watch was specifically made for the American market. It can therefore be assumed that it was originally retailed through Cartier’s New York branch.
To the best of our knowledge, the present watch was last offered at auction 33 years ago. According to the Extract from the Archives, the dial is signed solely by Cartier. The case was crafted by Geneva master casemaker Baumgartner, whose mark - a number 2 within a key - is stamped inside the case back. Cartier's hand-stamped reference number, 808*, is found beneath the upper left lug. A close inspection of the movement reveals the import stamp ‘PXP’ engraved on the balance bridge, indicating that this watch was specifically made for the American market. It can therefore be assumed that it was originally retailed through Cartier’s New York branch.