Patek Philippe

Launched in 1951, reference 2508 was notably large for its time at 35 mm, when most gentlemen’s wristwatches measured closer to 33 mm in diameter. Conceived for more robust, professional use than the typical Patek Philippe dress watch, it features a screw-down case back.

Reference 2508 is particularly distinguished by its center seconds display, powered by the calibre 27SC, one of the most highly regarded manually wound center-seconds movements of the period. This caliber also formed the foundation for movements used in some of Patek Philippe’s most celebrated complicated references, including the reference 2497. The Taubert-made case is characterized by gently downturned, sculptural lugs reminiscent of those seen on the esteemed reference 1463.

The “FAB. SUISSE” designation printed beneath the 6 o’clock marker indicates the present watch was produced for export to France, further confirmed by the presence of the French “double-owl” import marks stamped on the case back. It is especially well preserved, with crisp hallmarks along the case band and case back.