226.
A fne and rare pink gold wristwatch with centre seconds, elongated lugs and Gay Frères bracelet
Manufacturer
Patek Philippe
Year
1953
Reference No.
2481
Movement No.
703’039
Case No.
678’619
Material
18K pink gold
Calibre
Manual, cal. 27 SC, 18 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
18K pink gold Gay Frères bracelet, max length 190mm. and additional leather strap
Clasp/Buckle
18K pink gold Patek Philippe buckle stamped PPCo and 18K pink gold Gay Frères folding clasp signed GF
Dimensions
36mm. Diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed, bracelet signed GF for Gay Frères
Estimate CHF 20,000-30,000 $20,700-31,000 €17,300-25,900 Accessories Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confrming production of the present watch with raised gold hour markers in 1953 and its subsequent sale on 15 August 1954. Literature A similar example is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by M. Huber & A. Banbery, Second Edition, page 205.
Launched in 1950, reference 2481 was ftted with a variety of dials, ranging from polychrome enamel landscapes, to portraits of royal family members.
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The model is instantly recognizable due to its case. Made by Bernard Dubois, it features elongated claw lugs and a concave bezel, giving the watch a lot of presence on the wrist - a huge step away from the reserved and classic proportions of the Calatrava wristwatch. The reference is equipped with the famous caliber 27SC, which was at that time Patek Philippe’s only sweep centre calibre available on the market. To date, approximately 15 examples of reference 2481 cased in pink gold and featuring a silvered dial are known to the auction market. Of note is the spectacular condition of the watch. Featuring two hallmarks, the “step” on each lug is incredibly crisp and prominent. Particularly impressive is the contrasting satin and mirror fnish between the lugs, attesting to the original, untouched nature of the case. The bezel is equally defned, showing the sharp edge where it curves and becomes concave. The dial features a strong raised signature that has not seen cleaning of any kind. This is especially impressive when one remembers that the watch is over sixty years of age. This watch is accompanied by a beautiful pink gold “bamboo” bracelet by Gay Frères - the authority on manufacturing bracelets, particularly during the second half of the 20th century.
29/09/17 15:20