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Lot Essay
Consigned by a private collector and confirmed by the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives, Christie's is honored to offer a very attractive and the only known reference 2509 manufactured in stainless steel with luminous and Gübelin signed dial.
Reference 2509A
Vintage Patek Philippe wristwatches, particularly those from the mid-20th century, are revered by collectors for their elegance, mechanical sophistication, and scarcity. Among these, the reference 2509 — affectionately known as the “Grande Calatrava Waterproof” — holds a distinctive place. Introduced in 1950, it was one of the brand’s earliest large-sized Calatrava models with a screw-back case, designed for improved water resistance and anti-magnetic properties. It is considered the sister reference to the 2508, with both models sharing similar proportions and case architecture, yet differing in dial configurations and movement details.
For collectors of the rarest Patek Philippe variations, this particular example checks off all the boxes. The reference, produced largely in yellow gold is presented here in a stainless steel case stamped ‘FB’ for Francois Borgel (later acquired by Taubert & Fils), the patented case back with a distinctive ten-sided construction for easier gripping when opening and closing.
The present 2509 features a warm silvered dial with luminous baton numerals and dauphine hands. The dial is further distinguished by a double signature from Gübelin.
It is also of note that, that this variant is powered by the manual-winding caliber 27 AM 400 (AM for antimagnetic), normally reserved for Patek Philippe's "Amagnetic" watches such as references 3417, 2570⁄1 and 3460, amongst others. The earliest series of reference 2509 used caliber 12”200, followed by caliber 12”400. The last examples were fitted with the caliber 27 AM 400 which was utilized starting in 1960 and was an improved version of the 1958 caliber 12'''400, fitted now with a Gyromax balance and free sprung self-compensation Breguet overcoil hairspring. To the best of our research, only two examples of the reference 2509 in stainless steel are fitted with this movement.
With its combination of rarity, historical significance, and refined design, this reference 2509A offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a luminous, double signed, steel-cased Patek Philippe from the golden age of Swiss watchmaking — a piece that bridges tool-watch practicality with the brand’s signature elegance.
Reference 2509A
Vintage Patek Philippe wristwatches, particularly those from the mid-20th century, are revered by collectors for their elegance, mechanical sophistication, and scarcity. Among these, the reference 2509 — affectionately known as the “Grande Calatrava Waterproof” — holds a distinctive place. Introduced in 1950, it was one of the brand’s earliest large-sized Calatrava models with a screw-back case, designed for improved water resistance and anti-magnetic properties. It is considered the sister reference to the 2508, with both models sharing similar proportions and case architecture, yet differing in dial configurations and movement details.
For collectors of the rarest Patek Philippe variations, this particular example checks off all the boxes. The reference, produced largely in yellow gold is presented here in a stainless steel case stamped ‘FB’ for Francois Borgel (later acquired by Taubert & Fils), the patented case back with a distinctive ten-sided construction for easier gripping when opening and closing.
The present 2509 features a warm silvered dial with luminous baton numerals and dauphine hands. The dial is further distinguished by a double signature from Gübelin.
It is also of note that, that this variant is powered by the manual-winding caliber 27 AM 400 (AM for antimagnetic), normally reserved for Patek Philippe's "Amagnetic" watches such as references 3417, 2570⁄1 and 3460, amongst others. The earliest series of reference 2509 used caliber 12”200, followed by caliber 12”400. The last examples were fitted with the caliber 27 AM 400 which was utilized starting in 1960 and was an improved version of the 1958 caliber 12'''400, fitted now with a Gyromax balance and free sprung self-compensation Breguet overcoil hairspring. To the best of our research, only two examples of the reference 2509 in stainless steel are fitted with this movement.
With its combination of rarity, historical significance, and refined design, this reference 2509A offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a luminous, double signed, steel-cased Patek Philippe from the golden age of Swiss watchmaking — a piece that bridges tool-watch practicality with the brand’s signature elegance.