Patek Philippe Ref. 2497, Pink gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with center seconds and moon phases Made in 1954 | 百達翡麗 | 2497型號粉紅金萬年曆腕錶備月相顯示，1954年製
Patek Philippe
Ref. 2497
Pink gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with center seconds and moon phases
Made in 1954
Dial: silvered
Calibre: cal. 27 SC Q manual winding, 18 jewels
Movement number: 888'081
Case: 18k pink gold, snap-on back
Case number: 683'320
Closure: Patek Philippe alligator strap and 18k pink gold buckle
Dimensions: 37 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of sale on August 26th, 1959 Patek Philippe Patek Philippe Ref. 2497, Pink gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with center seconds and moon phases Made in 1954 | 百達翡麗 | 2497型號粉紅金萬年曆腕錶備月相顯示，1954年製
Ref. 2497, Pink gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with center seconds and moon phases Made in 1954 | 百達翡麗 | 2497型號粉紅金萬年曆腕錶備月相顯示，1954年製
VAT applies to hammer price and buyer's premium
Estimate:
300,000 - 500,000 CHF Lot sold:
478,800
CHF Patek Philippe
Ref. 2497
Pink gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with center seconds and moon phases
Made in 1954
Dial: silvered
Calibre: cal. 27 SC Q manual winding, 18 jewels
Movement number: 888'081
Case: 18k pink gold, snap-on back
Case number: 683'320
Closure: Patek Philippe alligator strap and 18k pink gold buckle
Dimensions: 37 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of sale on August 26th, 1959 Condition report
MVT: is running at the time of cataloguing and the calendar advancing.
CASE: in attractive condition with hallmarks still visible on the back. There are some fine scuffs, scratches and pinhead dings visible when very closely examining the case. The watch received a polish at some point and the hallmarks are slightly rubbed.
DIAL: in good and attractive condition. There are some fine surface marks and blemishes visible with the naked eye when closely examining the dial. The dial has likely received a minor cleaning. There are some very fine surface scratches to the crystal.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping. " The reference 2497 is historically important and was produced from 1951 until it was discontinued in 1963. It was the world's first perpetual calendar wristwatch with center seconds and remained the only one in the history of Patek Philippe until the introduction of reference 5050 in 1993, which was an impressive 30 years after the production of the 2497 ceased. A rare and sought-after reference, less than 200 pieces were made and only around 20 of them in pink gold according to research.
Reference 2497 can be divided into a first and second series, depending on the case maker. First series cases were made by Emile Vichet and second series cases made by Wenger. The case by Wenger featured a domed back and slightly shorter lugs while the Vichet case is distinguished by its flat case back and longer, more prominent lugs that are shaped like claws.
The present lot from 1954 has the Geneva master case maker key number 1 engraved inside the case back, confirming that Wenger was the case maker of this second series example.
