Patek Philippe

cal.27SCQ damascened nickel lever movement stamped twice with the Geneva seal, 18 jewels, bi-metallic compensation balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, precision regulator • silvered dial, applied faceted baton numerals, blued steel centre seconds hand, apertures for day and month, subsidiary dial for date combined with aperture for moon-phases, outer track calibrated for seconds • 18k gold case with scooped bezel, stepped down-turned lugs, screw-down case back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k gold Patek buckle

A rare piece. The movement is running. Dial with some signs of ageing. Marks to the dial at 6, 9 and 12 and a small spot at 2. Some slight scuffs to the case, hallmark to the lug is still visible. This is a very good example of this reference in original aged condition with good patina.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1958 and sale on January 31st, 1961.

Manufactured for just a few years between 1958 and 1963, reference 2438-1 was the first water-resistant type perpetual calendar wristwatch produced in series by any company. Manufactured at the same time as the reference 2497 snap-back, total production of the ref.2497 and 2438-1 combined was just 179 pieces. Today, just 20 yellow gold ref.2438-1 wristwatches are known from the auction market. Patek Philippe used the case maker  Wenger, one of the finest and most reputable master case makers in Geneva to make the ref.2438 case. Of course the 2438 differes from the ref.2497 as the former has a water-resistant-type screw-down back and a slightly different size, 37mm instead of 37.8mm.

The movement issued from the in-house 12'''-27SC (27mm, 12 lines), the calibre 27SCQ was equipped with the Victorin Piguet under dial perpetual calendar cam modification. The letter 'Q', for quantième, would be added to the calibre name to denote the perpetual complication. Victorin Piguet was a master watchmaking house based in Le Sentier, Switzerland. They had a very long and trusted relationship with Patek Philippe enhancing their perpetual calendar movements and designing unusual complications, such as split second and single-button chronographs.

For an example of this model, Ref. 2438-1 as well as detailed photographs of the movement, cal.27SCQ, see Huber, M., Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Second Edition, p. 284, pl. 441a.