PATEK PHILIPPE

• cal. 12-120 nickel lever movement, mono-metallic compensation balance, 18 jewels, micrometer regulator, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions • silvered dial, applied gold Arabic 12, baton, lozenge and dot indexes, subsidiary seconds • large 18k gold circular case, sloped bezel, downturned lugs with rounded ends, snap back fitted with rubber gasket • case, dial and movement signed

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1951 and sale on May 6th, 1952.

According to our research, the earliest known example of Ref. 2458 dates to 1950, and the model was produced for approximately four years thereafter.

It is interesting to note that it was such a highly regarded model that one example from the reference was chosen to bear a Bulletin d'Observatoire-grade movement. This reference was likely selected for its large and sturdy case fitted with a water-resistant-type rubber gasket. That example is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. 2, Second Edition, p. 253, pl. 389.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the present example has been offered at auction, and it is one of only a half dozen from this model to have been offered for public sale.