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Lot Essay
Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1953 and its subsequent sale on 30 July 1955.
Reference 2497 was introduced in 1951, simultaneously like its more complicated sister model with chronograph, reference 2499. They replaced the legendary references 1526 and 1518 which are best remembered for their Calatrava-style cases and their unmistakable 1940's look. Whereas reference 2499 was fitted with the same 13''' movement as its predecessor, consequently offering the same functions to its wearer, the simple perpetual calendar model 2497 newly fitted a centre seconds hand, an absolute first on the watch market. This newly designated calibre 27 SC was upgraded with Patek Philippe's patented perpetual calendar mechanism. A total of only some 180 movements with this new feature were made.
The new generation of Patek Philippe's perpetual calendar models, with or without chronograph mechanism, met the more lavish 1950s taste, the case proportions now slightly more playful. References 2497 and 2499 were first fitted with cases featuring a flat snap on back and very prominent claw-shaped lugs, which then were replaced with a more rounded case back and less downturned lugs.
According to literature, reference 2497 and its water-resistant equivalent reference 2438/1 with screw back case were made in only 179 examples. Research shows that no more than about a quarter of this total production was fitted with the flat case back and the large lugs.
The present watch is a good example of the very first generation of reference 2497. Made in 1953 and fitted with the more generous case proportions, it is a fine wristwatch offered for sale by a distinguished collector. Not having been on the market for about a decade, it is an honest example and great model to wear - actual and modern, like over 50 years ago when introduced to the market.
Examples of reference 2497 are illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by M. Huber & A. Banbery, 2nd edition, pp. 285 & 287.
Reference 2497 was introduced in 1951, simultaneously like its more complicated sister model with chronograph, reference 2499. They replaced the legendary references 1526 and 1518 which are best remembered for their Calatrava-style cases and their unmistakable 1940's look. Whereas reference 2499 was fitted with the same 13''' movement as its predecessor, consequently offering the same functions to its wearer, the simple perpetual calendar model 2497 newly fitted a centre seconds hand, an absolute first on the watch market. This newly designated calibre 27 SC was upgraded with Patek Philippe's patented perpetual calendar mechanism. A total of only some 180 movements with this new feature were made.
The new generation of Patek Philippe's perpetual calendar models, with or without chronograph mechanism, met the more lavish 1950s taste, the case proportions now slightly more playful. References 2497 and 2499 were first fitted with cases featuring a flat snap on back and very prominent claw-shaped lugs, which then were replaced with a more rounded case back and less downturned lugs.
According to literature, reference 2497 and its water-resistant equivalent reference 2438/1 with screw back case were made in only 179 examples. Research shows that no more than about a quarter of this total production was fitted with the flat case back and the large lugs.
The present watch is a good example of the very first generation of reference 2497. Made in 1953 and fitted with the more generous case proportions, it is a fine wristwatch offered for sale by a distinguished collector. Not having been on the market for about a decade, it is an honest example and great model to wear - actual and modern, like over 50 years ago when introduced to the market.
Examples of reference 2497 are illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by M. Huber & A. Banbery, 2nd edition, pp. 285 & 287.