PATEK PHILIPPE Calatrava
Calatrava "René Seydoux, 20 years with Schlumberger"
Ref. 2457 No. 700934 / 304118 Circa 1952 18k (750) yellow gold wristwatch Case: round, snap-on caseback engraved "René Seydoux, 20 years with Schlumberger", signed Dial: opaline, applied hour markers, railway minute track with 1/5 second graduation, central seconds hand, signed Movement: mechanical cal. 27SC, Geneva hallmark, signed Diameter: 31 mm Gross weight: 38.65 g. An 18k yellow gold manual winding wristwatch, caseback engraved "René Seydoux, 20 years with Schlumberger". Launched in 1949, reference 2457 succeeded the legendary reference 96 in the Calatrava universe. Like most of the rare yellow gold examples on the market, its case bears the hallmark of Antoine Gerlach, one of Geneva's most renowned manufacturers of high-quality cases. Beyond its status as a connoisseur's watch, this piece is distinguished above all by its remarkable provenance: it belonged to René Seydoux, a major figure in the financial empire founded by the Schlumberger family. Born in Paris in 1903 into a family of diplomats, René Seydoux joined the Société de prospection électrique (Electrical Prospecting Company), founded by Conrad and Marcel Schlumberger, in the 1930s, and became its president in 1953. Married to Geneviève Schlumberger, he was the father of Jérôme, Nicolas, and Michel Seydoux, three influential figures in French cinema, associated respectively with Pathé, Gaumont, and independent film production. He was also the great-grandfather of the French actress Léa Seydoux. Launched in 1949, reference 2457 succeeded the legendary reference 96 in the Calatrava universe. Like most of the rare yellow gold models found on the market, its case bears the key of Antoine Gerlach, one of Geneva's most renowned manufacturers of high-quality cases. Beyond its status as a connoisseur's watch, this piece is particularly notable for its remarkable provenance: it belonged to René Seydoux, a major figure in the financial empire founded by the Schlumberger family. Born in Paris in 1903 into a family of diplomats, René Seydoux joined the Société de Prospection Électrique, founded by Conrad and Marcel Schlumberger, in the 1930s, becoming its president in 1953. Married to Geneviève Schlumberger, he is the father of Jérôme, Nicolas, and Michel Seydoux, three influential figures in French cinema, associated respectively with Pathé, Gaumont, and independent film production. He is also the great-grandfather of French actress Léa Seydoux.
